PINE RIDGE 
1890 

An Eye Witness Account of the Events 
Surrounding the Fighting at Wounded Knee 

by 
William Fitch Kelley 



Edited and compiled by 
Alexander Kelley & Pierre Bovis 




Published by 

Pierre Bovis 

P. O. Box 26442 

San Francisco, California 94126 



ES3 



COPYRIGHT © 1971 

by 

Alexander Kelley 
Pierre Bovis 



PRINTED IN USA, I97I 




All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any 
form without written permission from the publisher. 






Dedication 

This volume is dedicated to McClure Kelley, who 

thoughtfully preserved for the enjoyment of future 

generations the articles presented herein, which 

were written by his father, Wilham Fitch Kelley. 



This is a limited edition of 2000 copies. 



^ 



THE PHOTOS IN THIS BOOK ARE COURTESY 

OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 

BUREAU OF ETHNOLOGY, NATIONAL ARCHIVES 



Engraving of Gen. Nelson A. Miles 

from War Path and Bivouac 

by John F. Finerty, 

University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, 1961 



Pen and Ink Illustrations of Plains Indian artifacts by 
Miss Nonie Farr 

Drawn from the Collections of 
Alexander Kelley and Pierre Bovis 



Introduction 

Recently, the descendants of William Fitch Kelley dis- 
covered an old bound scrapbook among the Kelley fam- 
ily memorabilia. This book contained a series of 
newspaper articles written by William Fitch Kelley 
when he was briefly a reporter for the Nebraska State 
Journal. The articles were written in late 1890 and early 
1891 about the Sioux Indians, then in a state of high agi- 
tation, as exemplified by their development of a war-like 
version of the Ghost Dance religion, which resulted in 
numerous skirmishes with soldiers and settlers including 
the massacre at Wounded Knee. The articles were writ- 
ten in the form of daily newspaper dispatches from the 
scene of the action — in and around Pine Ridge, South 
Dakota. 

The Nebraska State Journal wanted to cover the story 
taking place in South Dakota because Nebraska is that 
state's southern neighbor and many Nebraskans were ap- 
prehensive about an Indian uprising so nearby. Hundreds 
of people left their homes in northern Nebraska resulting 
in substantial loss of cattle and crops although no hostile 



acts were committed nor were hostile Sioux present. All 
Nebraskans from the Governor down were watching the 
situation with keen interest. 

After reviewing the articles, Alexander Kelley, grand- 
son of William Kelley, consulted with Pierre Bovis, In- 
dian historian and trader, who agreed that these articles 
should be returned to public view and further agreed to 
serve with Alexander Kelley as co-editor and publisher. 
The editors feel that these articles are interesting, not 
only for their factual historical content, but also because 
they provide a relatively faithful recreation of the atmos- 
phere of both that tense time, and of frontier life gen- 
erally, with its problems and adjustments resulting from 
the clash of the civilizations represented by the Sioux and 
the white settlers. 

The editors have added some brief commentary to 
both set the scene prior to the period covered by these 
articles and to take a retrospective look at the aftermath. 
No attempt has been made to change in any substantial 
way the articles themselves and the reader is left to re- 
turn without distortion or hindrance to the troubled times 
at Pine Ridge in 1890. 




Plains Indian moccasin 




■q: ■nf.e--tr^^7 



William Fitch Kelley 



William Fitch Kelley 

William Fitch Kelley was born in December, 1864 in 
Fremont, Ohio, the son of a prominent physician. He re- 
ceived a Bachelor's Degree from Hillsdale College in 
Michigan in 1887. Upon graduation, he decided to be- 
come an attorney and after some searching, he decided 
to seek his fortune in Lincoln, Nebraska. After his arrival 
in Lincoln, he took a job in the business office of the 'Ne- 
braska State Journal. 

While in that job, he asked permission to accompany 
the Nebraska State Militia to the scene of threatened hos- 
tilities on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, 
which was inhabited primarily by Oglala Sioux Indians. 
He would serve there as the representative of the Journal 
and be its "on-the-scene" correspondent. Although he 
was not then a reporter nor a member of the editorial 
staff, James Mahoney, the Managing Editor of the Ne- 
braska State Journal, appointed him General Correspon- 
dent on November 22, 1890. Kelley then went to Pine 
Ridge from where the reports which follow originated. 



Of the many correspondents from newspapers and 
magazines who were present during much of the two- 
month period covered by these articles written at Pine 
Ridge, it is interesting to note that only three covered 
the actual conflict at Wounded Knee. They were Will 
Cressy, reporter for the Omaha Bee, Charles W. Allen, 
publisher of the Chadron (Nebraska) Democrat and 
Kelley. On the morning of December 29, 1890, the con- 
flict took place and Kelley unexpectedly became a parti- 
cipant. 

The conflict began as the Cavalry was attempting to 
disarm the Indians. The fighting began suddenly and 
without warning, leaving Kelley, the reporter, right in 
the middle of the fight. At the outset of the conflict he 
was about 25 feet from a group of Indians, one of whom 
charged him with a tomahawk. He picked up a rifle from 
a fallen soldier and shot the Indian. Thereafter, using 
the rifle and his own revolver, he is reported to have 
killed two more Indians as fighting took place at close 
range. He was quoted in the January 14, 1891 edition of 
the Nebraska State Journal as saying, "The other two 
boys ( reporters Cressy and Allen ) were not around and 
I felt kind of lonesome; and with troops falling all around 
me, I felt that I ought to do something." 

Kelley did not indicate in his reports of the battle his 
part in the fighting but endeavored to cover only the 
main body of the news of the day. A supplementary letter 
to his earlier dispatches was quoted in part in the Janu- 
ary 4, 1891 edition of the Nebraska State Journal as say- 
ing: "That was an awful battle on Monday morning, 
twenty miles from here ( Pine Ridge ) . I want to be in no 



more like it. I was not twenty-five feet from the Indians 
when they began shooting, having no idea they would 
do such a thing." 

Only a few minutes before the shooting began at 
Wounded Knee, the three correspondents had circulated 
freely among the Indians. A few minutes later, the plain 
was covered with the dead and dying. More Indians had 
been killed there than in any fight for the thirty years 
preceeding. 

After the shooting ceased, the three correspondents 
made a rapid check of the battlefield to get information 
for their forthcoming dispatches. After approximately 
half an hour, they retired to Louis Mousseau's trading 
post near the battlefield, where they wrote their reports. 
The three men had made previous arrangements with 
Richard C. Stirk, the owner of a horse ranch in the area, 
to take their daily dispatches to Rushville, Nebraska, 
some 30 miles south of Pine Ridge, where the telegraph 
ofiice was located and from where their stories were usu- 
ally sent. The dispatches were delivered to Rushville be- 
fore eight o'clock that evening. There was only one 
telegraph operator at the ofiice to handle the press dis- 
patches from all the correspondents at Pine Ridge. In 
order to establish fair handling of these stories, the cor- 
respondents rotated the order in which the dispatches 
were sent out. It happened that December 29 was the 
day when W. F. Kelley's story was scheduled to be the 
first one sent from Rushville, and so it was that his report, 
though rather fragmentary due to lack of preparation 
time, was the first to tell the world about the day's events 
at Wounded Knee. 



Kelley returned to Lincoln in the latter part of Jan- 
uary, 1891 where he was greeted with much acclaim for 
his role in and report of Wounded Knee. Thereafter, he 
returned to his primary interest, the study of law, and 
then practiced in Lincoln for twenty-two years. In 1913, 
he went to Washington, D.C. as the private secretary and 
clerk to his friend, William Jennings Bryan, who had 
been appointed Secretary of State of the U. S. 

In 1914, he was made Assistant Solicitor in the Depart- 
ment of State, and was subsequently appointed Consul- 
General in Rome. He died at his post in March, 1916. 




Cheyenne knife sheath and knife 



CL-^4>^^..^ 



Biographies 



In the following few pages are presented the brief biog- 
raphies and "thumb-nail sketches" of some of the more 
important characters involved in the drama which un- 
folded at Pine Ridge in 1890. 




<L_^5>^^ 




Major-General Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A. 

Courtesy University of Oklahoma Press 



Nelson A. Miles 

N. A Miles was born at Westminster, Massachusetts 
on August 8, 1839. At the beginning of the Civil War, he 
left his job in a Boston china store and raised a company 
of volunteers to serve in the Union forces. He was ap- 



pointed a captain in the 22nd Massachusetts Volunteers 
but was required to resign that commission when his 
young age was discovered. He was reappointed a heute- 
nant and the successful transition from mercantile life to 
that of an outstanding military leader was begun. He 
quickly rose through the ranks of the Union Army and 
commanded an army corps at age 25 and became a major 
general at the age of 26. 

After the war, he remained in the military and received 
an appointment in the Regular Army as a colonel in the 
40th U.S. Infantry in 1866. He was employed primarily in 
Indian service and included among his campaigns the de- 
feat of the Cheyennes and Commanches on the Staked 
Plains in 1875, the pushing of Sitting Bull to Canada 
while dispersing other Sioux bands in 1876-77, the defeat 
of the Nez Perce with Chief Joseph in 1877 and, in his 
most difficult assignment, relieved General Crook and 
captured and interned Geronimo and his Apache follow- 
ers in 1886. His successes caused him to be called "The 
Indian Fighter." 

He became a major-general in April, 1890 and later 
that year he became involved in the trouble at Pine 
Ridge. He became Commander-in-Chief, U. S. Army in 
1895. He commanded the army in the Spanish- American 
War and led them to Puerto Rico and Cuba in 1898. He 
retired in August, 1903 with the rank of Lieutenant-Gen- 
eral. He wrote two autobiographical works. Personal Re- 
collections in 1897 and Serving the Republic in 1911. 

He died on May 15, 1925. 



^L^^^yY^^.^ 




U. S. Signal Corps, The National Archives 

Brig. General John R. Brooke 



John Rutter Brooke 

J. R. Brooke was born in Pennsylvania on July 21, 1838. 
At the outset of the Civil War, Brooke responded quickly 
to President Lincohi's call for troops to defend the Union 
and entered service in April, 1861 as a Captain of the 4th 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. In November, 1861, he 
became a colonel of the 53rd Pennsylvania Volunteers 
and commanded them through Rappahannock, Antie- 
tam, Fredericksburg and other campaigns. As the war 
progressed, he rose to the rank of Major-General in the 
Union Army in 1864 and commanded the army of the 
Shenandoah in 1865. 

He resigned from volunteer service in 1866 and joined 
the regular army as a lieutenant-colonel of the 37th U S 
Infantry. He subsequently served both in the West and 
South until 1877, when he was sent to Pennsylvania dur- 
ing the great railroad strikes. During 1877-88 he served 
in the military district of Montana (from 1885 as Com- 
mander) and from 1888, when he became a brigadier- 
general, he commanded first the Department of the 
Platte and then of the Dakota, with direct control over 
Pine Ridge. 

Near the beginning of the Spanish-American War, he 
was appointed a major-general and led an expeditionary 
force to Puerto Rico. In October, 1898, he was appointed 
Military Governor of Puerto Rico and in December of 
that same year he was made Military Governor of Cuba. 

He died on September 5, 1926. 



^_^9>^^_;^ 




Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 



Red Cloud 



Red Cloud (Makhpia-sha) 

Red Cloud was a principal chief of the Oglala Teton 
Sioux of Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota. This was 
the largest band of the Sioux nation, and he is believed to 
be probably the most famous and powerful chief in the 
history of the tribe. He was born on the Platte River in 
Nebraska in 1822 and was a member of the Snake family, 
the most distinguished and forceful of his tribe. He rose 
to prominence by his own force of character, having no 
claim to hereditary chief ship. 

Red Cloud led the opposition by his tribe to the influx 
of whites into their lands in the i86o's. His perserverance 
necessitated the abandonment of the three Forts Reno, 
Phil Kearnv and C. F. Smith in 1868. After that time, in 
accordance with the treaty, he lived in peace with the 
whites, though he constantly resisted the innovations of 
white civilization. During the outbreak and/or agitation 
of 1890-91, he remained quiet, being then old and par- 
tially blind. He was coerced into joining those Indians 
practicing the ghost dance religion. 

As a warrior, general, patriot from the Indian view- 
point, and as a statesman. Red Cloud was revered and 
held in the highest esteem among his people. 

He died at Pine Ridge on December 10, 1909. 



^L-^ 11 ])'^^_J^ 




Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 

Big Foot 



Big Foot (Si-tanka) 

He was also known as Spotted Elk. 

Big Foot was a chief of the Miniconjou Sioux of the 
Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. He was 
one of that tribe's outstanding chiefs. He was considered 
wise, mild mannered, a peacemaker and considerate of 
the individual rights of his people. Thus his fame was 
derived more from diplomacy and political sense rather 
than from the more customary achievements in battle. 
He was a compromiser and his negotiating abilities made 
him much in demand by other Teton Sioux tribes. 

He also believed in the values of the old life they had 
known before and thus permitted the Ghost Dance 
among his people. While he did not practice violence 
himself when on the reservation, he was considered a 
formentor of disturbances" by U. S. military authorities 
because of his involvement with the Ghost Dance. 

As he was leading his band from the Cheyenne River 
agency to Pine Ridge, he was arrested along with his peo- 
ple and taken to camp at Wounded Knee Creek on De- 
cember 28, 1890. He was killed at Wounded Knee during 
the fighting that took place there the following day. 



^L^^isY"^^ 




i\ 




Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 

Sitting Bull 



Sitting Bull (Tatanka-Yotanka) 

Sitting Bull was a famous leader and medicine man of 
the Hunkpapa Teton Sioux. He was born at Grand River, 
South Dakota in 1834. While at times he was known as a 
peacemaker, he spent much of the time after 1868 on the 
warpath, either with the whites, or the Crow or Shoshoni 
tribes. He spent most of 1877-1881 in Canada, having 
lost a major battle to General Miles. He returned to the 
U. S. to spend his days on a reservation but he continued 
his hatred of the whites and counseled the Sioux not to 
sell their land to them. While he was at Standing Rock 
Reservation, he induced Kicking Bear to introduce the 
Ghost Dance to his followers. As he was believed to be a 
trouble-maker and a probable rallying force in the event 
of forthcoming hostile action, he was slated to be re- 
moved from that area and interned elsewhere. When a 
number of Indian police came on December 15, 1890 to 
apprehend him, Sitting Bull was killed in the ensuing 
struggle. 



a_^i5))^^^=^ 




Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 

Short BltII 



Short Bull 

Short Bull was a Brule Sioux, born on the Niobrara 
River around 1845. He is remembered for his participa- 
tion in the 1889-90 visit to Wovoka (the Indian "mes- 
siah" at Pyramid Lake, Nevada ) to investigate the Ghost 
Dance and its ramifications. When Short Bull returned 
home, he represented himself as a special envoy from 
Wovoka and made a special place for himself in the doc- 
trine. Later, he improved his own status to the point 
where he himself was regarded as the "Messiah." He had 
a strong following among the Sioux, especially the 
younger braves during the height of the Ghost Dance 
fever, but fell into disrepute as that period passed. He 
spent most of his latter years at Pine Ridge. 



CL_^ 17 >^^_J^ 




Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 

Young-Man-Afraid-Of-His-Horses 



Young-Man- Afraid-of-His-Horses 

( Tasunka-Kokipapi ) 

Young-Man-Afraid-Of-His-Horses was a chief of the 
Oglala Sioux and one of Chief Red Cloud's leading lieu- 
tenants during" the i86o's while the Sioux were trying to 
keep the whites out of their buffalo lands along the Pow- 
der River. His Sioux name is Tasunka-Kokipapi which is 
said to be properly translated into English to the effect 
that this person is such a fearsome warrior that those who 
merely see his horses become frightened. 

After Red Cloud's victory, Young-Man-Afraid-Of-His- 
Horses lived in peace with the whites, and was therefore 
considered to be a "progressive" in 1890-91. He later 
died at Pine Ridge. 



^i_^ 19 jy^.^^j' 




Smithsonian Institution, National Anthropological Archives 



Kicking Bear 



Kicking Bear 

Kicking Bear was a Sioux medicine man of the Chey- 
enne River Agency in South Dakota. He was among 
those visiting Wovoka in Nevada to learn about and 
bring home the Ghost Dance. He gained considerable 
notoriety as the leader of a band of hostile Indians in the 
Badlands and as a priest of the Ghost Dance, which he 
first introduced into the camp of Sitting Bull at Standing 
Rock. He was among those removed from Pine Ridge in 
January, 1891 due to his role in the disturbances. 



<i.-^ 21 jy^^^^j^ 




Institution. National Anthropological Archives 

American Horse 



American Horse (Wasechun-Tashunka) 

American Horse was a chief of the Oglala Sioux. He 
signed the peace treaty of 1889 by which the Sioux res- 
ervation in the Dakotas was reduced by 50%. Many in 
the tribe were unhappy with this treaty which added to 
their desire to participate in the Ghost Dance. American 
Horse was a peacemaker and a progressive and he was 
actively engaged in attempts to get the hostile Indians 
back to the Agency. After the hostilities of 1890-91 
ended, he headed a delegation to Washington which 
sought better living conditions for the Sioux. 



23 



Prologue 



Nearly two centuries before the trouble at Pine Ridge, 
South Dakota began, the Sioux tribes left their historical 
homelands at the headwaters of the Mississippi River 
and moved westward to the great plains of Nebraska and 
the Dakotas. One reason for their departure was that 
their enemies, the Ojibwas, had obtained firearms from 
the French and thus made life uncomfortable for the 
Sioux. Another reason for the move to the great plains 
was the abundance of buffalo discovered there which 
would amply sustain their life in that region. In the early 
1700's, the Sioux acquired the horse and this gave them 
great mobility, especially for hunting and war-making 
activities and they became the masters of a far-flung ter- 
ritory extending from Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains, 
and from the Yellowstone River to the Platte River. With 
a keen eye, alert mind, high ideals and aptitude for self- 
government, the Sioux were quick to comprehend the 
value and potential of the hundreds of miles of open 
range available to them. They were proud and powerful 
warriors and maintained their mastery over the region. 
In their hunting, they killed only the quantity of buffalo 



and other game necessary for food, clothing, shelter, im- 
plements, etc. and thus were self-sufBcient. When the 
first white traders came to their area, they acquired guns, 
but otherwise the white man was not considered impor- 
tant in their changeless schem.e of things. They assumed 
the buffalo would always roam on their lands and that 
they would always be free to wander within their im- 
mense home territory and to pursue their strongly held 
religious beliefs and ceremonial customs. Everything had 
its place in their world. They lived close to nature and 
depended upon its bounties and revered it. In short, the 
Sioux were the essence of a free people and hated re- 
straint. 

Within a relatively short period of years, all this was 
to change. In 1851, the U. S. Government concluded a 
general treaty with the Sioux which, for the first time, 
sought to establish definite boundaries to Sioux territory. 
These boundaries were the Heart, Missouri, White, and 
North Platte Rivers and the Black Hills. 

In 1868, government policy was implemented that was 
designed to bring all Plains Indian tribes under direct 
control of the government in Washington. In April of that 
year, the Sioux signed a treaty which stated optimisti- 
cally at its outset, "From this day forth, all wars between 
the parties of this agreement shall cease forever." The 
treaty required the Sioux to give up a large part of their 
land in return for a guarantee that the rest of their land 
(portions of South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming) 
would be "set apart for their absolute and undisturbed 
use and occupation." The government abandoned three 
forts on the Bozeman Trail, but established Indian agen- 



cies and agents. The government promised to provide 
the Sioux with annuities, rations, cows, teachers and 
physicians to enable them to adjust to their new hfe. 

The Sioux agreed to permit railroads and military 
posts to be built. The Sioux were allowed to hunt buf- 
falo outside the reservation as long as buffalo existed and 
the Sioux took this to mean forever. 

But change was the order of the day. The reservation 
was large enough to provide sufficient buffalo for hunt- 
ing, had the white man left it alone. But the building of 
the railroads throughout the West brought professional 
hunters to kill the buffalo to feed the construction crews 
and/or sell the hides. Additionally, gold was discovered 
in the Black Hills (sacred land to the Sioux) which 
brought thousands of miners, desperados and camp fol- 
lowers, despite protests from the Indians. The Indians 
witnessed the destruction of their sacred lands and buf- 
falo. 

In 1875, the government ordered the Sioux to leave 
the Powder River hunting country which had been made 
available to them under the treaty of 1868 and to confine 
themselves to the Great Sioux Reservation. This resulted 
in fighting over the enforcement of that order, including 
the defeat of Custer's forces at the Little Big Horn and 
finally a new treaty in 1876. 

Swayed by the profit motives of those seeking gold in 
the Black Hills, the government purchased for some 
cash and promises of more rations, roughly one-third of 
the Great Sioux Reservation, including the sacred Black 
Hills. As in most of the treaty councils, the Indians were 
not fully informed as to exactly which land was to be 



surrendered. After the Sioux realized the full extent of 
this treaty, the result was a great distrust of the white 
government, a desire by the tribal conservatives to op- 
pose further changes, while the progressives (friendly 
to the government) had lost face and felt that govern- 
ment promises meant nothing. From this point forward, 
the government made clear its desire that the Sioux 
should give up all of its old ways, including i ) war so- 
cities and honors which had been the traditional way of 
recognition and upward mobility among the Sioux, 2) 
hunting as a way of life ( there were insufficient hunting 
lands and no game left anyway) and become farmers 
which was totally alien to the Sioux, 3) its tribal pride 
in freedom and self-sufficiency which were to be traded 
for government rations and confinement, 4) the author- 
ity of its chiefs and thus its capacity for self-government 
with its high ideals and standards for the individual by 
installing strong-willed agents to administer white gov- 
ernment law, and 5) its tribal religious customs and be- 
liefs when the government ordered in April, 1883 that 
tribal religious festivals and dances (including the du- 
ties and practices of medicine men) be stopped leaving 
a tremendous emotional and spiritual void not immed- 
iately covered by white Christianity. 

In 1877, Red Cloud and the Oglala Sioux, who had 
been living at the Red Cloud Agency near Chadron, 
Nebraska, were moved to a new agency at Pine Ridge, 
South Dakota. This agency was also to house some 500 
Northern Cheyennes. 

The General Allotment Act of 1887 sponsored by Sen- 
ator H. L. Dawes sought to fragment the large reservation 



by parceling out land ( 160 acres ) to each head of an 
Indian family and thus teach the previously nomadic 
hunter the virtues of cultivating his own crops while the 
government would purchase any unused land. 

The Sioux Act of 1889 raised the allotment to 320 
acres per family, raised the price the government would 
pay on the remaining land ( the reservation had twice as 
much as was required for the allotments ) plus provided 
funds for education and more livestock. The Sioux were 
afraid of losing their rations and signed the treaty es- 
tablished under this legislation, which resulted in a fur- 
ther sharp division between the progressives and con- 
servatives in the tribe. The further result of the treaty 
was that the Sioux surrendered approximately one-half 
of the remaining reservation, leaving five small and sep- 
arated reservations, each structured according to the 
previously existing agency — Pine Ridge (Oglalas and 
500 Northern Cheyennes ) , Rosebud ( Upper Brules and 
Wazhazhas), Cheyenne River (Miniconjou, Sans Arcs 
and Two Kettles), Crow Creek (Lower Brules) and 
Standing Rock ( Hunkpapas, with their renowned leader 
and medicine man, Sitting Bull, who had been in resi- 
dence there since 1883 ) . Two weeks after the treaty was 
signed, the rations normally due the Sioux were cut 
substantially. An elderly Indian resident was quoted as 
saving "They (the whites) made us many promises but 
they never kept but one; they promised to take our land 
and they took it." 

Coupled with their growing frustration in dealing 
with the U.S. Government which was attempting to des- 
troy their cultiu'e and assimilate them into the white 

<i-=^ 28 >^^_i> 



civilization as quickly as possible, the Sioux were faced 
with other disasters. The passing of the buffalo from 
their land was quickly followed by the demise of deer 
and other game which, combined, caused them to lose 
almost entirely their traditional methods of obtaining 
food, clothing and shelter. The land they received 
through the treaties was poor and coupled with the arid 
environment and short growing seasons; it was not of 
much agricultural use to anyone, let alone to inexper- 
ienced farmers Hke the Sioux. 

The winter of 1889-90 was a long and exhausting one 
following a crop failure the previous summer (to be du- 
phcated during the summer of 1890) which, when com- 
bined with reduced rations from the Government, put 
the Sioux on the brink of starvation. After the first crop 
failure and long winter, many recent settlers departed, 
while other expected newcomers did not arrive. The 
Sioux, however, could not leave. In 1888, their cattle 
supply had been diminished by disease and the winter 
of 1889-90 brought sickness and epidemics of measles, 
grippe and whooping cough. During that winter the 
death rate among the Sioux at Pine Ridge rose to 45 per 
month (with a total population of 5,550). 

The sum total of these misfortunes made the Sioux at 
Pine Ridge increasingly bitter and sullen and the con- 
servatives among them grew restive with their longing 
for their former way of life. 

Through the gloom, a rav of hope was emerging. As 
it has been in other places at other times throughout 
history, people who are faced with misery and hopeless- 
ness seek some higher power for help. The ray of hope 

CL_=^ 29 >^=^-^^ 



in this case came from Nevada from a Paiute Indian 
named Wovoka. He brought back to hfe and enriched a 
religious doctrine called the Ghost Dance, which first 
appeared in 1870, but whose distribution was then es- 
sentially limited to the California tribes. 

In 1888, Wovoka put forth this doctrine after a great 
revelation which involved, he claimed, a trip to heaven, 
at which time he saw all those who had died and God 
told him to return home and teach people to love and 
to stop fighting and live in peace. The earth was to be re- 
newed and all dead Indians would return to life. A 
dance (the Ghost Dance) was to be included in the 
doctrine that involved five nights of dancing which, if 
frequently performed, would hasten the great day when 
the earth would be reborn and the Indians returned to 
their former and better way of life. While some consid- 
ered him a Messiah, he claimed to be only a prophet 
with small powers. Based on this philosophy of regener- 
ation, each tribe was free to build a structure according 
to its own religious beliefs and mythology. The doctrine 
spread rapidly throughout the western United States 
and the Sioux heard of it in 1889. 

Religion to the Sioux, as to most other tribes, centered 
around a great spirit and dancing was an integral part 
of their religious observance. The Ghost Dance doctrine 
or religion allowed that these great changes would be 
effected by a supreme spiritual power and the Ghost 
Dance itself was the most important facet of the doc- 
trine, thus being compatible with Sioux beliefs and 
customs. The Sioux were curious enough to send a dele- 

30 



gation in 1889 to Wovoka in Nevada to learn more abut 
the Ghost Dance. 

Despite the fact that the Ghost Dance doctrine was 
peaceful, forbade war and included women but no 
weapons in the dancing, the Sioux delegation which re- 
turned home in the Spring of 1890 rearranged some of 
the philosophy to suit their mood of restlessness, un- 
happiness and physical and spiritual hunger. Delegates, 
such as Kicking Bear and Short Bull felt that the white 
man was the cause of their troubles and surely the great 
spirit while returning the Indians to better days with 
plenty of buffalo, would bury the whites to complete the 
restoration. The delegates said the Messiah had re- 
turned to punish the whites for their misconduct and 
treachery toward the Indians and would restore the In- 
dians to supremacy over their original lands. The dele- 
gates went still further and promised the change would 
occur the following Spring (1891) and that, with the 
use of Ghosts Shirts, they would be invunerable to bullets 
and other weapons. The ghost shirts were purely a fabri- 
cation of the Sioux as an appendage to war but they re- 
moved any reason the Sioux might have to fear open con- 
flict with white troops. 

It is questionable that all of the Sioux believed whole- 
heartedly in the new doctrine, but with chiefs such as 
Red Cloud and Sitting Bull in their desire for a return 
to the old life professing belief and support, it flour- 
ished as surely as the crops withered during the summer 
of 1890. With the decline in their power, prosperity and 
happiness, the Ghost Dance or Messiah Doctrine pro- 
mised restoration of the old life through assistance of 



the great spirit ( since the Sioux were powerless to effect 
such changes). This hope, with or without foundation, 
at the least gave them something more or less tangible 
to concentrate upon and enabled them to feel they had 
a future. 

The appearance of the dancers and the resulting agi- 
tation caused much apprehension bordering on panic 
among settlers along the frontier in Nebraska, Iowa and 
the Dakotas. Many abandoned their homes and fled to 
the larger towns and cities for protection. 

The agents in charge of the five agencies were each in 
a difficult spot as the ghost dancing spread and by the 
fall of 1890, they were officially expected to put a stop 
to all such Indian actions. Aside from Pine Ridge, the 
other four tried to stop the dancing and while they were 
only partially successful, they remained in command of 
their respective situations. 

At Pine Ridge, the problem had become more com- 
plex. In 1890, a new agent, D. F. Royer, was assigned to 
Pine Ridge. He was without experience in the adminis- 
tration of Indians or their affairs. More importantly, he 
was afraid of them and could not control them. The 
Sioux at Pine Ridge were quick to take advantage of his 
weakness and all discipline broke down, including the 
previously effective Indian police. Royer soon declared 
the situation out of control and requested troops for pro- 
tection. When asked for the names of Indian "fomentors 
of disturbances" for possible arrest, Royer sent 64 names 
while the other four agents sent 15 names between them. 

As Royer continued to insist upon the arrival of 
troops, settlers and newspapers echoed the desire and a 



special agent sent to Pine Ridge confirmed Royer's lack 
of control. On November 13, President Harrison di- 
rected the Secretary of War "to assume responsibility for 
the suppression of any threatened outbreak, and to take 
such steps as may be necessary to that end." On Novem- 
ber 15, Royer telegraphed frantically "we need protec- 
tion and we need it now." On November 17, General 
Brooke was instructed to send troops to Pine Ridge and 
Rosebud to restore calm and control. On November 19- 
20, troops from Fort Robinson, Nebraska arrived at 
Pine Ridge and were soon reinforced by others compri- 
sing a total force in the area of about 3,000 troops. 

With the arrival of the "bluecoats," a large number 
(approximately 40% of the whole population) of the 
Sioux left Pine Ridge for the Badlands to the west of 
their reservation to continue their dancing. The Indians 
were afraid of the troops but did manage to burn a num- 
ber of houses (mostly on the reservation), capture part 
of the government cattle herd and force a number of 
"friendly" or "progressive" Indians to accompany them. 

Brooke embarked at the outset of the troops' arrival 
at Pine Ridge on a cautious policy of trying to coax the 
Sioux into reunification at Pine Ridge and the reinstall- 
ation of a calm reasoned control. To some, this appeared 
to be a policy of appeasement but Brooke and his com- 
mander. General Miles (then in Chicago), were deter- 
mined to prevent bloodshed, if possible. 

In a word, the tension was great and the situation ex- 
plosive. That was the environment in which fledgling 
reporter William Fitch Kelley, of the Nebraska State 
Journal, found himself on November 24, 1890 at Pine 
Ridge, South Dakota. 




Sioux war bonnet 



Nearly Ready to Act 

General Brooke Awaits Reinforcements 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville), Nov. 24 — 
[Special] — Affairs at the agency to-day are more quiet 
than at any time for the past week. The Indians upon the 
reservation are dravi^ing their rations and many are com- 
ing in to-day, and all apparently are desirous of prevent- 
ing any outbreak. On Wednesday the beef rations are is- 
sued by the agent and it is expected by that time many 
more will come than to-day, as the Indians are always 
more desirous of procuring their beef than anything else. 

Red Cloud and all under his authority, although en- 
camped only five miles from here, refuse to come in. They 
are probably waiting for some of the Indians now outside 
of the reservation, hoping that they may thus get their 
share by mixing with the followers of Red Cloud. 

The anxiety that has disturbed the feelings of all is 
now passing away upon the arrival of more troops. A 
troop of colored cavalry, sixty strong, came in to-day 
from Ft. McKinney at noon, and Companies H and G of 
the Second Infantry from Omaha, are now marching to 



this place from Rushville. This troop of cavahy belongs 
to the famous regiment which has seen much service on 
the frontier and in Indian fighting, and is one of the 
crack regiments of the army. The Seventh Cavalry arrived 
to-day at Valentine and proceeded at once to Rosebud 
Agency, v^here are Sitting Bull and his warriors. Many of 
the ghost dancers have ceased dancing or at least prom- 
ised to do so. To-night, however, the authorities do not 
give much credence to this. 

It is clear to all, although not admitted by the officers, 
that there will be a decided move made soo]i by the sol- 
diers if the Indians much longer refuse to obey. There are 
now so many soldiers here and so many more coming 
that they will again seek to teach the Indians to comply 
with the orders of the government. Thursday morning is 
generally fixed upon as the day when the soldiers will be 
sent against them, first to break up the dances and sec- 
ondly to disarm them. The Indians without doubt know 
they will be called on to give up their arms, whether it 
be peace or war, which thought hinders them from com- 
ing near the reservation. Many have sought General 
Brooke to parley with him, but he utterly refuses to par- 
ley with them and said last night unless they ceased danc- 
ing of their own accord they would be made to stop. The 
general spoke in so emphatic a manner that it was im- 
possible to doubt his meaning. 

The canard telegraphed an Omaha paper as to a plot 
duplicating the Custer massacre is severely condemned 
here as there was not the least foundation for any part of 
it. Frank Girard, the noted western scout, came in to-day 
with the troop of cavalry and reported at once to General 



Brooke for orders. The most intense excitement pervades 
all stations east of here. On the Elkhorn road, at Cody, 
people were coming in every hour yesterday and passed 
the night in churches, school houses and freight houses. 
A company of seventy-five men has been formed. All have 
guns and plenty of ammunition. All settlers from the 
north for forty miles are rapidly congregating in Gordon 
and are badly scared. Trains going east for the past two 
days have been crowded with women and children seek- 
ing a safe retreat in case of an outbreak. One hundred 
Winchesters were received at Gordon Sunday night and 
forty rifles and 1,000 rounds of ammunition Saturday eve- 
ning. There are now 250 men fully armed at this point. 
The Indians, in case of an outbreak, will not go to the 
south and the alarm in these towns is wholly causeless. If 
they break away from here they will plunge into the foot- 
hills northeast of here, where they can be pursued only 
with great difficulty. There are also some herds of cattle 
in that direction which would have weight with them at 
the present moment and they would have also to move 
in that direction if they wished to form a junction with 
Sitting Bull and his band. 

The whole thing will be known in a few days whether 
it is to be war or submission. One hundred extra Indian 
police are being sworn in to-day by Agent Royer and Spe- 
cial Agent Cooper. They present a curious appearance, 
as they have their hair cut in civilized style and in many 
other ways make their manners accord to the fashion of 
style of their new occupation. 

W. F. K. 



Dark is the Outlook 
Indians Refuse to Submit 

Actions of General Brooke and the Agents 
Sufficient to Show Their Anxiety 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Nov. 25 
— [Special] — All the people at this place to-day are 
under a considerable feeling of alarm, not that the In- 
dians will attack this encampment, but on account of cir- 
cumstances that transpired last night. It is now almost 
certain that nearly of all of what have been heretofore 
considered neutral Indians will leave the reservation and 
consequently join the hostiles under Wounded Knee, 
forty miles north of here. There was an attempt to picket 
all the roads and grounds between Red Cloud's band and 
the other Indians to prevent any communication between 
each other, but all night there were signals of swinging 
fire between them. On the hills on every side were signal 
lights, making a wierd scene. 

Officers and men spent most of the night in readiness 
for action and it was well they did, as the light of early 
morning showed us the Indians had gathered together in 



the night, with horses, and were making every prepara- 
tion to move away, and nothing but the firmness of Agents 
Royer and Cooper prevented the stampede. They at once 
sent a band of Indian pohce to tell the chief that unless 
the ponies were at once allowed to go on the hills the 
troops would move upon them. They held out for a time, 
parleying, and then permitted a few ponies to go on the 
hills. 

Red Cloud's Indians in spite of the precaution, had 
been among them and informed the chiefs they were to 
be attacked at once and put under guard by the troops 
and Indian police. They were greatly excited that such a 
step should be taken toward them. Yesterday noon all 
the new and old Indian police were given new Spring- 
field rifles and forty-five rounds of ammunition. They 
were then formed into two companies and drilled for 
nearly three hours. This fact, of course, spread like wild- 
fire and caused the greatest alarm. They braided the 
horses' manes and tied up their tails, which was recog- 
nized at once as a sign that they were preparing for war. 

There are a thousand rumors in the air and Indian spies 
of all bands are everywhere. All persons are cautioned 
about speaking near any Indian. The cavalry all moved 
to camp a mile and a half from the agency this morning 
owing to the annoyance of having to send around men 
with them to water. This move was not looked upon with 
any great favor by those here. No person is allowed out 
of the picket line after dark and no Indian near any build- 
ing or store, or in the soldiers' camp. The guards have 
been greatly increased so that now a large part of the 
whole troops are upon duty each night. It is only with 



the greatest exertion that any news can be obtained from 
those in command. Agents Royer, Cooper, General 
Brooke and the three Indian pohce captains held a con- 
ference this morning lasting three hours, but what move 
they intend to make is not known and can be best sur- 
mised. Agent Cooper told me at noon that in three days 
everything would be settled, or they would make a move 
which would precipitate a war, as they are determined 
to make them submit at once. 

Major Burkes of Buffalo Bill's combination and ex- 
Agent McGillicuddy held a long conference with old 
Red Cloud this morning, but could obtain little satisfac- 
tion. The wily old chief professes friendship, but his late 
actions denote the opposite. 

At noon four companies of the Second Infantry arrived, 
180 men only of the band now remaining in Omaha. 
Eight troops of the Seventh Cavalry and three companies 
of light artillery, which were to have gone to Rosebud 
Agency, were ordered to come here instead and will 
arrive to-morrow, the agent tells me. Upon the arrival of 
the troops here will be fully one thousand men here of 
the regulars, which force will be sufficient to act on the 
offensive. Rigorous measures will then be adopted, un- 
conditional submission will be carried out to the letter 
and with no gentle hand. General Wheaton and staff and 
an immense train of supplies are now coming over the 
hills and Major Burke tells me Buffalo Bill is on the way. 
It is thought he can best command his late Indians here. 
Agent Royer having chosen his new police force almost 
entirely from Cody's Indians. 



Mr. Agee, a post trader, informed me that Little 
Wound, the chief of the ghost dancers, were here secretly 
yesterday. He claims to have seen him, but it is doubtful 
if he came into the reservation, for he would be at once 
arrested. The situation is critical but if it can be warded 
off until the troops all arrive the Indians will undoubtedly 
be awed into quietness. Old Captain Nelson, the scout, 
says they will never give up their arms unless forced to 
do so. He has lived among the Sioux for fourteen years, 
so I take his opinion for what it is worth. But it is certain 
the arms will be taken from them, whether they will or 
no, and at whatever cost it will involve. 

Hundreds of Indians hung about all day yesterday, 
but to-day there is hardly a single one to be seen. Now 
and then a few forlorn squaws are seen huddled together 
in some half hidden spot, apparently looking at nothing 
and yet watching all with the closest attention. The out- 
come will be now known in two or three days. 

W. F. K. 




Plains peace pipe 



Their Mouths Sealed 
Brooke and Agents Reticent 

Playing a Waiting Game and Withholding the 
Beef Supply for Wholesome Effect 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville), Nov. 26 — 
[Special] — The sun came forth this morning upon as 
pretty a scene as it had ever shone upon before. All the 
troops were out early, doing their daily drill work, the 
cavalry dashing over the hills, sometimes in company 
troop, oflBcers at the head, suddenly careening about and 
forming huge squares, with a side nearly a mile in length, 
advancing, then retreating and doing numerous other 
military maneuvres with precision and promptitude. The 
infantry and artillery were also out in full force, co-op- 
erating with the cavalry in the clear cool air of the morn- 
ing. They presented a spectacle worth going many miles 
to behold. There was an object in thus showing them un- 
der the personal command of General Brooke. 

To-day was beef issue day, and an order from General 
Brooke last evening, who has full command here by order 
of the War Department, was given that no beef should be 



given out. Thousands of Indians viewed the troops in 
their drill and then set out over the prairie for the beef 
pen, but they were quietly told that no beef was to be 
given out to-day. After many ominous looks fierce words 
and sullen behavior in general, they gradually dispersed 
to their encampment, where again it was all talked over 
in, to say the least, a very animated fashion, and thus the 
poor Sioux have received the first in what is certain to be 
a wholesome lesson to all of them before the thing is 
settled. 

The cavalry and artillery arrived at Rushville last eve- 
ning and reached this place about 5 this afternoon. It is 
said the beef will be issued to-morrow or next day, the 
delay being due to the general desire that all the troops 
Jbe here. There will then be some conditions exacted. What 
they are no one can fortell. It is only surmise, for no one 
but the two agents and General Brooke know. The most 
skillful questioning of the newspaper men divulges noth- 
ing from them. Courteous and accommodating they are 
in many ways, but their mouths are closed firm. 

Agent Cooper's spies brought him to-day reliable in- 
formation that Two Strike and his band were upon Por- 
cupine Creek, killing cattle and robbing houses. He says 
about 800 people are with his band. Cooper had doubted 
the report before and sent his scouts out to confirm it, 
which they did. Indeed it is most surprising the way that 
Special Agent Cooper and Royer keep informed of what 
the Indians are doing within a radius of 200 miles from 
here. Their vigilance is ceaseless and rewarded by won- 
derful results. Considering this situation. General Brooke 
is also ever careful. He did not go to bed at all last night. 



It is safe to say the government has at no place three 
more capable and intelligent servants, more trustworthy 
to deal with the present serious crisis. 

This morning Agent Cooper issued an order that every 
person who did not reside upon the reservation should 
at once leave, and his police are now sending them out. 
He was kind enough not to include the corps of news- 
paper men. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux quilled mans moccasins 



^^^^^44}^^^^.:.^ 



No Visitors at Pine Ridge 
They Talk Too Much 

Each One had a Theory to Advance and 
Made It Known to the Hostiles 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Nov. 27 
— [Special] — The orders against coming into the camp 
will hereafter be strictly enforced. It has been made evi- 
dent that each and every one has a theory as to how every- 
thing should be settled and has advanced those ideas 
quite often to the Indians, so it was deemed best to ban- 
ish them all, and hereafter no one will be allowed to 
come, as Indian police will picket all the roads. They 
have been instructed to go to the towns south of here. 
Many are seeking permits, but all are peremptorily re- 
fused. Another very important step has been made show- 
ing anew the wisdom of the agents in their management. 
One hundred of the principal Indians were formed into 
a company of scouts and under the pretext of receiving 
arms, etc., they will be sent away to Ft. Robinson under 
command of Charles Taylor of the Ninth Cavalry. They 
are to be given permanent positions as scouts in the regu- 



lar army and will be sent away before trouble begins if 
there is to be trouble. It is understood they will leave to- 
morrow or the next day. 

Dr. Royer received word that Little Wound was only 
thirty miles from here last night and coming alone on 
horseback. He was ordered to come at once two days 
ago, but it is as yet entirely speculative whether or not 
he will come here. He would be the first one punished, as 
it must not be forgotten that he is the high priest among 
all the ghost dancers, even ranking old Sitting Bull him- 
self. General Brooke receives daily offers from young 
army officers on leaves of absence from their regiment to 
act as volunteers, but these are kindly declined as the 
force here is sufficient for all needs. Besides most of the 
officers are old Indian fighters, who would much prefer 
to dash into an Indian village than linger here, but of 
course they refrain from so saying. 

Your correspondent was present last evening at an in- 
terview which Big Road had with the agents and General 
Brooke. Big Road has more than a thousand Indians in 
his command in Red Cloud's district and was the chief 
who had command of the Sioux Indians in the Custer 
massacre. It was the crafty old chieftain's desire to have 
Brooke inform him of his intentions, but he utterly re- 
fused to be interviewed and the Indian had to be con- 
tent with telling the agent what a good Indian he was, 
always had been, always would be; how he loved the 
white people, etc. The old chief was destined to go away 
without accomplishing his end and perhaps for the first 
time in his life he had to go forth from an officer without 
impressing him what a great man he (Big Road) was. 



This time the tables were reversed. Big Road has Hved 
past the day when the Indians were the greatest of men 
in deahng and demanding favors from Uncle Sam. His 
only complaint was that his Indians did not have enough 
to eat, and there may be some justice in this, as the 
amount of rations issued to them does seem very small in 
a country such as this, utterly devoid of all game. Seldom 
even is a bird seen circling through the air, such is the 
utter desolation. 

It is generally supposed at Rosebud and Standing 
Rock Agencies that the conspiracy of the ghost dance was 
formed because Sitting Bull, perhaps, was at those points, 
but such is the not the case. Pine Ridge is where it was 
formed and is to-day the hot bed of the entire craze and 
the Indian, Little Wound, of whom I have before spoken, 
is the originator and promotor of it all. 

Last evening General Brooke sent for the newspaper 
correspondents from Omaha, called their attention to the 
sensational articles that have been sent by them and re- 
quested a discontinuance. 

Your correspondent to-day had the honor of taking his 
dinner yesterday with American Horse and his five 
squaws. 

W. F. K. 




'^-.^ 47 j/^^^^^ 



Bad Reports Verified 
Indians Preparing to Fight 

Ghost Dance Claims a New Lease of Life 
And Goes on Fast and Furious 

Pine Ridge Agency,S. D., (via Rushville) — Nov. 28 — 
[Special] — Nothing has occurred thus far this morning 
to change the general aspect at this place. The Indians 
have been treated with kindness during the trouble so 
far, but a stern reality of something else will now take its 
place unless there is a change. I have it on good authority 
that a part of the cavalry will start soon to surround the 
Indians from Rosebud Agency who are now at Medicine 
Root committing all kinds of depredations upon the pro- 
perty of the Indians now here and upon the property of 
settlers who have left the country. The Indians here are 
becoming very restless and it is thought that they may 
break away at any hour to protect the property left there. 
Agent Cooper speaks of these outrages in very vigorous 
terms and insists that these acts be punished. It is confi- 
dently expected that an expedition will be sent out against 
them, it not being probable they will come here knowing 



they will be punished for what they have done. As there 
are 380 tepees and an average of six to every tepee, it will 
be seen that a considerable force is assembled at that 
point. 

The officials held another consultation until far into 
the night yesterday. Although the newspaper men were 
on hand they were unable to obtain an inkling of what 
was to take place or what was talked of. 

There has been much talk of not enough rations among 
these Indians in Omaha papers. I have taken some pains 
to investigate the matter and find such not to be a fact. 
The rations given are amply sufficient for two weeks, the 
time of each issue. If they were given five times the 
amount at present received the result would be the same. 
After the first two or three days succeeding the issue, it 
is owing to their peculiar customs and habits of living, a 
feast and famine, that being the order week after week, 
and so it will always be. They cannot be taught to the 
contrary. 

The last word is that every Indian at Rosebud is away 
except some few squaws and some old men, some being 
at Medicine Lodge, some at Porcupine and but a few at 
this point. 

W. F. K. 

Brings Startling News 

Pine RmcE Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Nov. 28 
— [Special] — A report has just come to this point, since 
my morning dispatch. Agent Royer's faithful scout, Plenty 
Bear, has returned to-day from Porcupine Creek, twenty- 



five miles northwest of here, and brings in tidings which 
will cause troops to be sent there. He reports that the 
ghost dance is in high favor and that it is carried on with 
more savagery than he had ever before seen. There were, 
he reports, many dances, as the Indians said they were 
dancing everywhere up and down the creek and that 
they were capering around in a circle, all braided and 
caparisoned in their devilish toggery. The Indians here 
all say that they mean to fight. When the fact is taken into 
consideration that the famous Little Wound was there 
and several of his chiefs, when only a day or so ago he 
was here, it will be seen that the news is of a very serious 
character. The Indian scout is one of the best friends of 
the agent and all he said was taken as thoroughly reliable. 
He saw the houses that were burned and broken into, 
went into the ruins himself and witnessed the universal 
destruction on every hand. He saw hundreds of cattle 
killed and huge pieces of beef lying all about the camp. 
He also thinks that Little Wound will not again come 
into this agency. They have just 364 lodges and are well 
armed. 

Reports of this character have come here for several 
days that these things were being done and it is now 
verified. All that the agents desire is to go out and stop 
the dance and depredations, but General Brooke, for 
some cause, appears unwilling to take any action towards 
that point. He has waited and telegraphed for troops at 
all points, but he has not been inclined to go forward, al- 
though the agents do their utmost to persuade him to 
move, and they are even willing to go out there with a 
hundred Indian police, a rash undertaking on their part. 

^L..^ 50 jy^^.^j' 



They are even so willing that they take their chance when 
there are 1,200 troops in camp, enough to thrash all the 
Indians on the reservation. The officers and soldiers are 
all ready and anxious to be away, but the commanding 
oflBcer is as silent as the grave. As a result of the non- 
movement of the troops many Indians last night left this 
place for that. point to protect their own property, which 
the United States fails to do while they are obeying the 
United States. This seems a strange piece of consistency 
to the Indians, who have obeyed so far. It is looked for 
and hoped that troops will soon be called upon to leave 
for the scene of action, which they might reach in a few 
hours of marching. It is expected, when the act is done, 
that they will depart in the night and be upon the enemy 
before dawn. This action has been looked for for several 
days and they will possibly leave to-night, but that, of 
course, is not definitely known. 

W. F. K. 

An Exterior Calm 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., Nov. 27 — (via Rushville) — 
[Special] — To-day is Thanksgiving day at the agency, 
as well as elsewhere, and in a modest manner has been 
celebrated by the few white citizens here. Post Trader 
Finley exerting himself to make it as pleasant as possible 
to those for whom he cares. The Indians doubtless have 
greater cause to be thankful than any one else judging by 
their appearance at the beef issue depot. Among the 
troops the officers, as far as possible, have brought little 
delicacies of different kinds and presented them to their 



troops with their compliments, making an agreeable 
change to their usual fare of hard bread and a kind of 
trashy soup, the ingredients of which I have been unable 
to determine. Taken all in all, each one is happy, only 
wishing a speedy determination of the trouble which now 
appears to be more distant than for the past two days. 
While all is calm to any ordinary observer, Agent Royer 
and General Brooke tell me there is a great amount of the 
most villanous scheming going on in the camps of the 
Indians, but what it is their police and scouts have utterly 
failed to discover, notwithstanding every endeavor is 
made by them to do so. The anxiety displayed by the 
above named gentlemen tend to make it of the most seri- 
ous consequences. 

The beef issue took place this morning at lo o'clock 
and every Indian, it is needless to say, was there. The pen 
is situated a few miles from the agency proper, on a level 
plain extending for some distance. Although warned not 
to do so, many many ventured to go out and watch this 
most exciting sight. Hundreds of Indians scampering in 
all directions after wild Texas cattle, bringing them to 
earth with the lariat and gun, then doing other acts of 
barbarity needless to mention. One fact was fully shown, 
and that was that every Indian was well armed, the guns 
every now and then protruding from under the long 
blankets, although efforts were made to conceal them, 
and the Indians, it must be remembered, profess to be the 
agent's best friends and to have no arms. 

The greatest excitement was visible in camp last night 
when the notorious Little Wound came in with two 
chiefs, Yellow Bear and Yellow Hair, to find out, as the 

1..-^ 52 >^^=^=^ 



wily chieftain says, the cause of all this trouble. Although 
the high chief of the Sioux tribe, he would say nothing 
and had the agents dared to do so, they would have at 
once thrown him into the guard house. It was noticed he 
left all his band many miles away and variously com- 
mented upon. He promised to return this morning, but 
failed to do so, and it is not known if he is near here now 
or not. Two chiefs of his tribe came in last night to the 
Indian camp and pursuaded some Indians to go back 
with them. When morning dawned Two Strike and Short 
Bull, with their followers, were far away and all look 
upon this as very serious. From the known characteris- 
tics of Little Wound, much anxiety is expressed as to 
what he will do. He came, as he told the agent, to see his 
friend. Dr. McGillicuddy, the former agent, some years 
ago. 

Dr. Rogers' police were fortunate yesterday, for they 
succeeded in securing the Indian "Little" near the camp 
unarmed. He is now in the guard house, awaiting his fate 
for assaulting the agent a week ago with a knife and thus 
nearly precipitating an outbreak. 

The Seventh Cavalry got into the camp this morning 
and now a speedy ending may be looked for. It has been 
understood that the non-arrival of these troops only has 
delayed action. An unconstitutional surrender must now 
take place, whatever the terms agreed upon may be, or 
else the Indians must fight. The general says he will allow 
no delay, but prompt obedience and compliance with 
what he has to say or else blood will be shed. 

W. F. K. 



Troops Weary of Non- Action 
Anxious to Be Up and Doing 

Rumors of Depredations FuIIij Confirmed, 
But the Order to Move Cometh Not 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., (via Rushville, Neb. ), Nov. 29, 
1890 — [Special] — Nothing has happened since my last 
dispatch to alter the condition of affairs at this place. The 
officials are very busy perfecting their plans and one of 
them informed me last night that they were ready to 
move from this place and were simply waiting for orders 
from Washington. The Sixth Cavalry from Albuquerque, 
N. M., will be at Ft. Morris and Oelrichs to-day or to-mor- 
row and it is known that then a line of troops will be 
around the reservation, this last addition forming the con- 
necting link through which it hardly seems probable the 
Indians can escape. The government officials are going to 
make no blunder in their steps and have quietly gone on 
making all preparations 'ere they take the initial move, 
and what has seemed delay to some should be named the 
prudence of those in command. Severe conditions will 
doubtless be imposed and it only remains to be seen if 
there be submission on the part of the Indians. 



The agents received authentic information that the In- 
dians from Rosebud are threatening to kill all whites and 
evincing a warlike spirit in general. These plunderers are 
the followers of Two Strike and Short Bull, who secretly 
came here night before last and departed with some fol- 
lowers from this camp. The Indians on Porcupine Creek 
are robbing and causing destruction in every possible 
way, defying arrest and orders to report. As they number 
many hundred warriors they make a formidable band. 
An Indian who was drunk and raising high carnival was 
placed in the guard house this morning. 

At the cavalry drill across the creek one of the colored 
troops of the Ninth Cavalry was thrown from his horse, 
the horse also falling on him rendering him unconscious 
for some time. It was impossible to determine how seri- 
ously he was hurt. 

W F. K. 



Slept on Their Arms 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (Via Rushville, Neb.), Nov. 
29, 1890 — [Special] — It was rumored over the camp 
last evening that during the night the cavalry would 
leave for the Indian camp on Porcupine Creek. There 
seemed foundation for the rumor, as all the cavalry was 
ordered to sleep on arms and be ready to move at a mo- 
ment's notice. The newspaper men were up all night, 
ready to accompany the troops. After anxious waiting 
they were destined to be disappointed, as the order came 
not. 



Each hour almost brings a confirmation of the outrage 
thirty miles to the northeast. All see the necessity of im- 
mediate action. That depredations are being committed 
is known beyond a doubt, yet the troops do not go to the 
scene of trouble. As said in the dispatch yesterday, an 
order is expected any time. 

Little Wound had a consultation with the agent this 
morning. He was very non-committed as to the past and 
future. Try as they would Agents Royer, Cooper or ex- 
Agent McGillicuddy were not able to fathom the inten- 
tions of the wily old chief. Although one of the most in- 
telligent of the Sioux, he pretended not to be able to 
grasp their meaning. After two hours of useless palaver 
the agents returned in disgust. The old Indian went his 
way, doubtless laughing at the way he foiled the white 
man in an oral combat. 

W. F. K. 

Nearly Ready to Act 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Nov. 
29, 1890 — [Special] — News is coming in all the time 
from the hostiles on Wounded Knee of such a warlike 
nature that the troops will move soon. The force of In- 
dians is estimated at 1,000 fighters. There were many 
desertions from here to-day. Information comes from 
many sources of undoubted accuracy to the truth of re- 
ports. No one can account for the delay of troops. 

W. F. K. 



a_^56>^^^.^ 



Bound to be Trouble 
Uprising Not Half Ended 

Reports of a Most Serious Character 
Arriving Hourly from Wounded Knee 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Nov. 
30, 1890 — [Special] — Rumors and news of the most 
excitable nature continue to arrive at the agency every 
hour. Indian couriers are coming from Porcupine and 
Wounded Knee relating horrible tales of riot, pillage and 
desolation. Excitement is at fever heat, as the Indians 
have said that they would burn this agency. The amount 
of hay and wood about causes great fear that their 
threats may result in something. 

Eagle Speed and Tom Black Bull, two reliable scouts, 
came in last night from the hostile region, reporting that 
they had inspected twenty-one houses altogether and 
that two-thirds of them were completely gutted and des- 
troyed. From the remainder all eatables and furniture 
were taken and the redskins were burning hay and kill- 
ing beeves in every direction. No Belt, an Indian police- 



man sent out to report the condition of things, also came 
in last night and said he saw a number of bunches of cat- 
tle driven to camp near Wounded Knee and slaughtered 
by the Indians. The horses were all painted and braided, 
and the warriors were dancing and inciting each to be 
brave. On Friday night at Wounded Knee there was held 
an immense ghost dance, at which there is said to have 
been four or five hundred participants. During the prog- 
ress of the dance two Indians were shot as a part of the 
ceremonies. The dancers had arms in their hands, mak- 
ing warlike movements, saying that the soldiers were 
afraid to come out and fight them. 

A companion of Mr. Cook, the native Episcopal minis- 
ter here, was out at his home near Wounded Knee yes- 
terday. He reports the camp under Indian military rule. 
No one is allowed to leave without permission. He also 
confirms the reports of outrages in that vicinity; that the 
Indians are all bedecked and prepared for war, having 
immense quantities of jerked beef and aU necessary sup- 
plies. Horses are kept in camp readv to move at a mo- 
ments notice. 

Many reports have arrived in the last few hours and 
there is no doubting the fact that they wish to fight. On 
Thursday there were about 3,500 Indians here now it is 
estimated that two-thirds of them here left and joined 
the hos tiles, sHpping away at all times during the night 
and day. Big Road's entire band of eighty lodges went 
last night. The Indians who are friends to us are com- 
plaining of fear from those who desire war. All are get- 
ing very uneasy and will gradually drop away. They 
have obeyed the agent and the government, while all 



their property is being destroyed during their absence 
from their homes. It is estimated $50,000 worth of prop- 
erty has aheady been destroyed and friendly Indians 
will never receive a cent for what is lost. The enemies of 
Agents Cooper and Royer are bitterly complaining of the 
delay, and upon the heads of these gentlemen will all the 
trouble and blame fall in the future. 

Last night a consultation with the four police captains 
was held. All have served as such from six to twelve 
years. They unamiously told the agent that the Indians 
wanted to fight and they were getting so powerful it was 
doubtful if there were now sufficient troops to master 
them. A large part of the troops would have to be left to 
guard this agency. Spies in squads of six to eight may be 
seen upon the surrounding hills watching our move- 
ments. Last night one of the police was successful in cap- 
turing the horse of one and he was brought into camp, 
all painted and daubed with colors of every kind. 

A white man from Wounded Knee came in here yes- 
terday and reported three half-breeds to be missing for 
the past two days. As they have many enemies among 
the Indians and their property is destroyed it is feared 
they have been murdered and hidden. Their names are 
Charlie Richard and James and William Twist. A dili- 
gent search has been made for their bodies, but they are 
not to be found. 

General Brooke last evening received a telegram of 
700 words from General Ruger of the department of Da- 
kota, to the effect that a band of Cheyennes, numbering 
500 lodges, had left their location on Cheyenne River and 
were on their way to join the hostiles at Wounded Knee, 

ci_^ 59 )/^>.._^ 



about 125 miles distant. Word was received here yester- 
day from Secretary Noble saying the Interior Depart- 
ment has instructed the War Department to protect 
property in this vicinity. It is thought such an order is 
now practically useless. The Bad Lands begin near 
Wounded Knee and into that direction the Indians will 
doubtless flee if the troops are sent after them. These 
lands cover an area of about 110 miles in length and fifty 
in width and are said to be impassable to all wagons, 
gullies, canyons, and steep declivities being these forma- 
tions. Word has been received here that the Messiah 
craze has broken out in the Indian Territory, that the 
Sixth Cavalry, on the way to Ft. Mead, has been ordered 
back to Ft. Sill, Indian territory, for protection there. 
The situation cannot be considered other than critical. 



W. F. K. 



Scouts Sent to Wounded Knee 



Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Nov. 30 
— [Special] — A party of eighty-five scouts was sent out 
by General Brooke to ride to Wounded Knee and report 
to him as soon as possible. They are expected back to- 
night. The noted Frank Girard leads the scouts. The gen- 
eral relies and depends upon his judgment greatly. 

W. F. K. 



^i^^^eoy^^.^ 



Near the Bad Lands 
Kicking Bear Encamped 
On White River 

The Chief Ghost Dancer and His Followers 
Allow No One to Approach the Camp 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. i, 
1890 — [Special] — Another day has dawned and a 
confirmation of all the rumors of the past few days was 
fully realized. On yesterday from early morning till late 
at night, Indian police and scouts came in and reported 
to the agent the depredations going on at Wounded 
Knee. The Indians have now crossed the White River 
and are upon the edge of the Bad Lands. Owing to their 
refusal to allow any one near their camp, it cannot be de- 
termined in which direction they will go. It is thought 
they will make for the government herd corrals, thirty 
miles west of their present camp, where there are now 
between 2,000 and 3,000 head of cattle, and then strike 
north nearly one hundred miles, where there is a high 
table land upon which there is plenty of wood and wa- 
ter, the surrounding land forming a splendid grazing 



country, said to be the best for hundreds of miles around. 
In this neighborhood are a few ranches containing from 
10,000 to 12,000 cattle, and the Indians could pass the 
winter much more comfortably there than at any of their 
old homes, fully supplied with all they could wish. 

Kicking Bear, the Indian who went to Nevada and 
claims to have seen the messiah and foretold his coming, 
leads this band in that direction. In fact he is recognized 
as the chief of all ghost dancers. Frank Girard and his 
party of scouts returned last evening and reported that 
they were only allowed to approach within four miles of 
the camp. Frank White, the interpreter at this agency, 
sent out to hold a counsel with the Indians, was only 
allowed to proceed twelve miles with his party when 
hostiles forced them to turn back. 

A Rosebud scout from here in getting away from the 
Indian camp at White River, had his horse shot from un- 
der him and only with great difficulty succeeded in 
reaching here. Much anxiety was felt here, for he was 
two days late in returning. On Saturday night there 
were thirty horses stolen four miles south of here, be- 
longing to Iron Crow, a police captain, and subsequently 
seen to be taken to Wounded Knee. This shows plainly 
the audacity of the Indians' stealing. William McGea of 
Porcupine reports that he has also lost seventy-five 
horses. Twenty lodges of Little Wound's band were re- 
ported on the way here, but the greater part joined the 
camp on White River and are proceeding to the Bad 
Lands. The situation here is unchanged. 

W. F. K. 



The Most startling Yet 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. i, 
1890 — [Special] — John Grine, the chief government 
herder, has just reported that the Indians had control of 
the government herd for two days, killing many. He and 
his herders abandoned all, fleeing for their lives. The In- 
dians are all over the country between the White and 
Cheyenne Rivers and settlers are fleeing to the Black 
Hills, while the Indians are scouring the whole country 
to the base of the hills. This is the most alarming news 
received since the trouble began. 

W. F. K. 

The Situation as It Is 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (Via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 1, 
1890 — [Special] — Since this Indian trouble has been 
the cause of so much talk over the country I shall try to 
give a brief explanation of the relative positions of the 
Indians, troops and agencies as they are now known to 
be. Rushville is a small place thirty-five miles east of 
Chadron, on the Elkhorn railroad. This is the present 
base of suppHes for all the troops in this section of the 
country. Just twenty-eight mfles directly north of Rush- 
vflle is Pine Ridge Agency, so called for being situated on 
a high ridge of ground, moderately covered by pine 
trees. The agent in his report gives the number of In- 
dians as belonging and under the orders of the agent at 
this place as being 5,600. Beside the agent there are 
three post traders here which constitute about the only 
white population. One hundred and twenty miles almost 



east from this point is the Rosebud Agency, Geo. M. 
Wright, agent, there not being quite so many Indians at 
this place as at Pine Ridge. Four hundred miles north of 
Rosebud is the agency of Standing Rock, where the fam- 
ous Sitting Bull is situated. The number of Indians at this 
place is between two and three thousand. 

Coming back to Rosebud and going northwest are sit- 
uated the Brule and Cheyenne Agencies, some twenty 
miles apart. These different bands are under certain lo- 
cal chiefs, independent of all other chiefs, and all have 
a definite amount of land assigned to them, to roam over 
and live upon as they will, but they are not allowed to 
go upon the domain of Indians under another chief, un- 
less by permission of their own agent. It is fair to say of 
them that this rule is usually obeyed, in fact rigidly kept. 
The serious aspect of the present situation is that the 
Rosebud Indians are off their agency and refuse to re- 
turn. 

But to return. About fifty miles to the northwest from 
this point is the town of Oelrichs and about the same 
distance north of that point is Fort Mead. Troops are 
now on their way to these two points from New Mexico. 
Three hundred and fifty troops garrison Rosebud Agency, 
and three companies are at Standing Rock on the north. 
It may be said that the somewhat noted Indian agent, 
McLaughlin, is situated at this place. There are also a 
very few soldiers at Brule and Cheyenne. Thus it will be 
seen on the south are Pine Ridge and Rosebud; on the 
east Cheyenne, Brule and Standing Rock; on the west is 
Fort Mead and Oelrichs, and to the north are the Black 
Hills, thought to be unpassable by Indians or troops. The 

<i_.=^ 64 >^^.^ 



idea has been to completely surround the whole reserva- 
tion with troops, so they can only with diiBculty get 
through at any place along the line. To be sure they have 
an immense tract of territory over which to go, but it is 
accessible for troops, which is of course a great advan- 
tage. The military idea doubtless is to close up from all 
points, if it. should become necessary to fight, and it 
seems they have held off so far to be thoroughly ready 
when the day of action comes. It should also be remem- 
bered that there are a few thousand Indians and out- 
laws of various kinds roaming at large over this whole 
region that owe allegiance to no agency, and they must 
certainly be counted in as being a formidable part of the 
enemy; perhaps it is not too much to say the most dan- 
gerous in influence. 

There is now a sufficient number of troops at these 
places to thoroughly master the Indians at all points, and 
it is to be hoped that a speedy determination of all these 
various troubles agitating them will be had. At present 
it certainly appears that force will be an absolute neces- 
sity to accomplish that end. 

W. F. K. 




<L_^65>^^^.^ 



An All Winter Siege 
Appears to be the Prospect 

No Particular Change at Pine Ridge, 
But Troops and Supplies Arrive Daily 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 3, 
1890 — [Special] — Nothing farther has transpired to 
effect a change at Pine Ridge at this writing. All is quiet, 
but few reports of any kind arriving, and the general 
routine of camp life is the only variation, if it may be so 
called, of the monotony of life. Long trains of supplies 
and ammunition have been daily coming in from Rush- 
ville to this place. If anything is to be judged by the prep- 
arations being made one would suppose the army officers 
expected a long and severe campaign. 

Orders were received to-day by Agent Royer to ex- 
amine Ruffalo Bill's Indians, all of which are at this 
place, about fifty being on the police force and in the 
company of scouts sent with Lieutenant Taylor to Fort 
Robinson for duty there. All here were thoroughly ex- 
amined by Agent Royer and Special Agent Cooper as to 
their pay, clothing, food and general welfare and all. 



without exception, spoke of in the highest praise of Mr. 
Cody and his treatment of them while abroad. Not one 
had a complaint of any character to make. This is a pretty 
eflFectual denial of the various charges lodged against 
Buffalo Bill and his managers. 

Little, the Indian who assaulted Royer with a knife, 
had a preliminary trial today and was bound over to the 
district court. 

W. F. K. 

Wrong Impressions Corrected 

Pine RrocE Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 3, 
1890 — [Special] — The World-Herald of Omaha dur- 
ing the past few days has contained many caustic com- 
ments upon the management of affairs at this place. A 
few lines regarding matters at this agency, viewed at a 
wholly different standpoint, may not be inopportune 
since so much has been said in relation to the subject. 

This agency was established in the year 1877, and in 
1878 Dr. McGillicuddy resigned from the army medical 
corps and became agent. The doctor was a man of only 
limited experience with Indians, previous to his appoint- 
ment, but a man of undoubted personal bravery. After 
nearly eight years of a troublesome reign with the treach- 
erous Indians he was succeeded by Colonel Gallagher, 
who was appointed by President Cleveland, and gave 
way two months since to Dr. Royer, the present agent. 
It has been charged that Royer is responsible for the 
present trouble by the World-Herald and a few other 
papers. In refuting this unfounded accusation let it not 
be forgotten that the ghost dance was instituted here 

<i_=^67>^^.^ 



fullv six months before the present agent's appointment. 
Colonel Gallagher was from all accomits a courageous 
man, but he certainly lost control over the people here 
long before he left the agency. While the Indians be- 
fore his face were nominally obedient to his orders, as 
soon as thev were out of sight thev did as thev pleased, 
wandered oflE on hunting trips and from one reservation 
to another as they desired without pemiission. In saying 
this there is no desire to cast a reflection on Colonel Gal- 
lagher; he was simplv and briefl\" not equal in an emer- 
gencv to the position to which he was called. He did 
make a feeble attempt upon one occasion to stop the 
ghost dance with a few of his police, but accomplished 
nothing. Xo one attempt was ever made bv him to pro- 
hibit the dance, as told to me by the four police captains, 
Sword, Fast Horse, Iron Crow and Thunder Bear, and 
the\' certainlv should be good authoritv, as thev have 
been good and peaceful Indians for manv vears. 

It mav be Galladier wished to have the last davs of 
his reign eas^' and peaceful. Be this as it mav, when the 
present agent. Dr. Ro\'er arrived here things were in a 
thoroughlv disorganized state, going from bad to worse 
each dav. Dr. Rover came here and sought to grasp af- 
fairs with a firm and determined hand, but matters had 
gone so far that he was unable to accomplish an\i:hing 
with, the few police at his command and it was onlv 
after the repeated demands of the traders and whites in 
the vicinity that he requested troops to be forwarded. 
These are facts learned from letters and telegrams I have 
seen on file in his office. It mav be added that General 



Brooke and Special Agent Cooper have said repeatedly 
that troops were justified in being here. 

It might be well to call attention to other agencies and 
their condition previous to Rover's advent to Pine Ridge. 
It is well known at Rosebud that there is scarcely an In- 
dian at the agency, if some old men, squaws and chil- 
dren be excepted. They have all been absent many 
weeks, without leave, and to-day found the bulk of the 
hostile Indians on the edge of the Bad Lands. At Stand- 
ing Rock, where Agent McLaughlin had charge, he has 
wholly lost control of those under him, and they are join- 
ing the hostiles every dav in small bands; vet McLaugh- 
lin has been an agent for twelve years, and was reputed 
to be one of the very best Indian managers in the ser- 
vice of the department. At the Cheyenne Agency the 
same condition of affairs exists as described above, and 
more than one hundred and eighty lodges from this 
place have joined Two Strike and his band. 

A great deal has been said of Dr. McGillicuddy. He 
certainly showed himself to be an able manager of In- 
dians, but he is not the sole man who has managed In- 
dians or who can control them successfully. The present 
agent has had a long acquaintance with the Indian char- 
acter, having resided for eight years at Alpuma, S. D., 
bordering on the Coon reservation, and practicing his 
profession among them to some extent. Dr. McGilHcuddy 
has been quoted at some length by the voung man who 
did represent the World-Herald here, but who has since 
left by request. 

The present serious trouble mav hardly be chargeable 
to any one man, but rather is one of those periodical out- 



breaks, caused by the dissatisfied elements, to be found 
in all Indian tribes, and only to be wiped out perma- 
nently, by the advancing step of progress, civilization 
and education. 

W. F. K. 




MAMM4^ 



Chippewa bandolier hag 



1-=^ 70 ))'^^.:^_> 



Miles to the Front 

No Longer A Spectator 

He Will Visit Pine Ridge and Hold a Conference 
With the Recalcitrant Ones 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville), Dec. 4, 1890 
— [Special] — It was learned here this morning that 
the First Infantry was on its way from San Francisco to 
Rosebud Agency. The fact was sought to be hidden by 
General Brooke, but my authority is undoubted. It was 
also learned that General Miles would be here in a day 
or two and take personal charge of afiFairs in the field. 

Yesterday young Jack Red Cloud and Father Jute, the 
Catholic priest, were sent to the camp of Two Strike and 
it is thought their errand is to bring in the principal chiefs 
that they may have a council with Miles upon his arrival 
here. It is considered doubtful if the errand will do much 
good. A few old men may come in, but the young men 
will not. The influence of Miles' name among them is not 
the power it once was. The old Indians have met Miles in 
battle and more or less fear him. The only remedy for the 

ci_^ 71 jy^^^.^j? 



young men is a sound thrashing. Then they may regard 
Miles as their elders do. 

The council will be an interesting affair and action 
will begin at once for a termination. All will be in readi- 
ness to move and as the necessary supplies are on hand, 
no present cause for delay is known. 

W. F. K. 




Plains clubs 



<i_^ 72 )^^:._j> 



Soldiers at Pine Ridge 
Growing Weary 

Even a Skirmish in Prospect 
Would be a Relief 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (Via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 5, 
1890 — [Special] — The situation at Pine Ridge has re- 
mained unchanged for some days past, and the general 
desire appears to be that something happen, either that 
the hostile Indians will come in and give themselves up 
or that the troops will go out and force them to come in; 
thus, as it is supposed by all, forcing a fight, conse- 
quently opening a general warfare. It is a fact that that 
so far as is known, no man has been killed, and it is re- 
ported that General Brooke is unwilling to move his 
troops because of this fact. But when it is taken into con- 
sideration that there is hardly a white man now in all 
that region, the delay for that cause falls to the ground. 
That they are killing great quantities of cattle daily and 
committing depredations of every character is not de- 
nied, and it would seem as if some movement upon the 
part of the troops would be desirable, if only to protect 



the wanton destruction of property. That the troops 
could move fifty miles north and prevent to a large ex- 
tent these outrages is easy to be seen. The very presence 
of the troops would be a powerful safeguard in the vi- 
cinity, driving, as it would, the Indians farther north into 
the Bad Lands, where there is fewer cattle and no prop- 
erty worthy of mention. 

All realize to a certain extent that General Brooke is 
hampered by orders from Washington and General Miles 
at Chicago. Seemingly they do not wish to have a con- 
flict, but it would appear that a brigadier-general of the 
United States army, with 1,200 troops at his back, could 
be permitted to possess enough discretion to at least al- 
low part of his troops to protect the property of poor set- 
tlers who were forced to run for their lives, leaving all 
they possess on earth behind. General Brooke has been 
subjected to the severest criticism on the part of the 
people and a good many other people at this place. It is 
perhaps not wholly undeserved, making a suitable allow- 
ance for higher powers in military affairs. 

There have been many rumors about Indians coming 
in during the past few days, but they are very unreliable 
and can be traced to no good sources. On the face of such 
statements they appear ridiculous and opposed to com- 
mon sense, and he who thinks the Indian devoid of the 
latter "commodity" knows but little of his make-up. Ten 
days ago they were camped only twenty miles from here 
and since that time they have been gradually getting 
farther and farther away. Had they wished to report then 
they could easily have done so, but they had no such 
wish. In getting farther away and entering upon a reck- 



less raid the wily red man well knows he is putting up a 
barrier toward reconcilation that will not soon be for- 
given or forgotten. Undoubtedly many are in the band 
of Two Strike against their wish, and the old chiefs were 
shrewd enough to realize that the more depredations 
committed, the more would these friendly Indians be 
compromised and the less likely would they be to desert 
them, knowing if they were to return, upon what sus- 
picion they would be looked, notwithstanding anything 
they might say in their own defense. 

At the beginning of the present fracas, the day of the 
assault upon Dr. Royer, young Jack Red Cloud and some 
others incited their followers to burn the buildings and 
kill all the whites near the agency and they loudly and 
boldly proclaimed if they raised a row the government 
would increase their rations and redress any other fancied 
grievance they might ask. Yesterday an order was re- 
ceived from Washington to give out an extra ration to- 
day and henceforth to increase them to the standard es- 
tablished in 1877. This would would appear to be a 
wrong policy to pursue at the present time. It allows the 
Indians to believe that what these young rascals advised 
will be fulfilled by our government, and fails to impress 
them with the proper respect for law and order. They 
certainly should receive some kind of punishment for 
what they have done, and then, if it be thought neces- 
sary by those in authority, their supplies may be in- 
creased to what amount is thought best, or better still to 
the quantity agreed upon and named in the treaty made 
with them in 1877. 



There can be no question by those who understand 
the situation that to accede to their demand under the 
present circumstances is a false step toward good gov- 
ernment among them. To allow them to accomplish their 
object by such means as they have undertaken now 
should not be countenanced by those who have the wel- 
fare of the Indian at heart. 

It is understood the Sixth Cavalry will be at Ft. Mead 
to-morrow. Some of them will leave the cars at Oelrichs 
and it is then thought the plan of the campaign, so far as 
at present known, will be complete and that the troops 
here will move toward the Bad Lands. What may hap- 
pen between now and then it is difficult to say, but from 
all present indications the sketched policy planned will 
be carried out without any interference or compromise 
on the part of the Indians. 

Word reached here yesterday that the Indians had 
dug rifle pits at their camp, that they have since moved 
farther on to the north. These facts prove nothing spe- 
cial unless it be that they intend to fight. However, of 
this intention there has not been much doubt before this, 
so that it really counts for but little. A new generation of 
Indians has sprung up since the last Sioux campaign. 
Hearing tales of valor of their parents, uncles, etc., 
around the fire in their tepees, they have doubtless be- 
come imbued with a thirst for war and a desire to dis- 
tinguish themselves. The war element is largely kept 
alive by the young men and it is well known that young 
Jack Red Cloud has for a long time wished an opportun- 
ity to distinguish himself and obtain a chieftainship, that 
he might possibly drop into the shoes of his old father. 



Red Cloud, now an old man of nearly seventy years. 
However, whenever it has come to war young Jack has 
quietly remained at home here and let the other noble 
red men redress all wrongs. Indian consistency some- 
times equals that of his white brother. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux mans leggings 



cu-^ 77 >^._j> 



A Spilling of Blood 
But Not in Warfare 

Ration Day at Indian Agency 
How it Soothes the Savage Breast 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., Dec. 4, 1890 — [Special Cor- 
respondence] — Ration day is, above all else, the joy 
of Indian existance. On that day may it be said does he 
unbend from his dignified silence and a smile of plea- 
sure occasionally crosses his dusky countenance, as he 
views with satisfaction the good things doled out to him 
by the agent of the "great father." He thinks with plea- 
sure of the good things he is to have at his tepees for a 
day or two, how his good and faithful squaw will fashion 
the bacon and beans into a dish most palatable for him- 
self and familv. I sav for a day or two, because the ra- 
tions issued never last longer than a few days. They eat 
and eat until it is gone, then fast and beg until the next 
issue day rolls around. Such is the Indian; he li\-es onlv 
in the present, apparently ne\er realizing the morrow is 
to come 

Ration dav occurs ever\- t^vo weeks at tliis place: on 
Monday and Tuesda\^ is given bacon, salt, flour and 



corn, soap and baking powder (it is difficult to see for 
what purposes the latter two articles are given them, for 
they immediately trade them for other commodities 
more practical ) , and on Wednesday the beef issue takes 
place. Early on Monday morning all the squaws repre- 
senting the different families appear at the door of the 
store-house, where the issue clerk and a half score of 
assistants demand their tickets and send them away with 
the proper amount of rations. The squaws range them- 
selves in single file and the line stretches away for a half 
a mile or more, each patiently awaiting their turn, some 
destined to stand all day and not get served. These re- 
turn on the morrow and usually all receive their portion 
by Tuesday noon. The men never come to receive these 
articles. Their blood demands the fiercer sport, chasing 
the Texan cattle. 

These squaws present a most striking sight as the line 
bends away over the brow of an adjacent hill, each one 
dressed in their best attire, the color of red predomin- 
ating, fancy home made shawls gracefully thrown about 
their shoulders, red and yellow paint upon their faces 
and fingers (the paint somewhat more pronounced than 
that of our stylish city belles of course), fancy leggings 
and moccasins fringed and beaded with colored porcu- 
pine skin and cheap beads of many varieties complete 
their rather pretty attire. Indeed it may be called hand- 
some by some and certainly picturesque by all. 

One issue given is what is designated the small issue, 
that is, just one-half of what is given on the day two 
weeks following. This applies to the beef as well as the 
other supplies. The beef issue on last Wednesday, for 



instance, was eighty-six head; the next beef issue will 
be 172 head. Beef issue day is, at the present time, the 
most exciting of all sports to be witnessed on the fron- 
tier. The requisite number is driven down from the herd- 
ing ground the day previous and in the morning are 
placed in the beef pen. The pen is situated about two 
miles from the agency, upon a level piece of ground per- 
haps two or three miles square. 

The issue usually takes place about 10 o'clock but 
very early in the morning Indian men, women and chil- 
dren may be seen coming over the surrounding hills 
from all directions, some in wagons and some on horse- 
back. As the hour approaches the men who are to run 
the cattle down arrange themselves in lines on either 
side of the house, leaving a space of about 100 feet be- 
tween themselves and the line of men directly opposite. 
Behind these lines are gathered the women and chil- 
dren, and others who are not to take the first step in the 
chase. An Indian crier, comes forward, and it may be 
added he has a voice many a basso profundo would 
envy, and as the maddened steer plunges forward be- 
tween these lines of men out unto the plain, under direc- 
tion of the agent he cries out the name of the family or 
families to whom it is given, and their representative 
immediately rushes forward, lariat or gun in hand to run 
down the luckless animal. His fate is sealed; never was 
one known to get away, although many fight bravely for 
their lives and sometimes cause a serious mishap to their 
venturesome pursuers. 

Now takes place the real sport. The Indian drives his 
animal back and forth over the plain, glorying in the 

ci_^8o>^^^ 



excitement, his well trained horse following as close as 
possible. It is a thrilling spectacle, from one to two hun- 
dred parties scampering over the plain, Indians letting 
forth their tremendous whoop, cattle bellowing as they 
seek to join their fellows and are cut off by the Indian 
on horseback. After they have played with them as long 
as they desire; or the poor beasts fall to the earth from 
exhaustion, they are quickly dispatched, some shot on 
the dead run from the horse, some encircled with the 
deadly lariat and thrown to the ground. Usually one or 
two shots are sufficient to bring the animal to a stand- 
still, but I have seen five and six shots poured into him 
at short range before he would drop, so tenacious is he 
of life. Often even then has he to be pulled off his feet 
by a lasso thrown over his horns. During all his running 
and tearing back and forth in the crowd, he is never lost 
sight of by the squaw part of the household. As soon as 
he is down she drives the wagon, with which a generous 
government has provided her, to the spot and then be- 
gins the task of taking off the hide and dividing the beef. 
If there be two or more families to whom it is given each 
separate part of the animal is scrupulously divided 
among them. The first act is perhaps worthy of mention, 
viz: the first family that arrives upon the spot at once 
cuts out the tongue and hangs it dripping with blood to 
a belt at their waist. The tongue is the dainty of dainties 
to these savages. As soon as the beef is divided they 
wend their way to their tepees, and so ends a most ex- 
citing forenoon, as well to the observer as to he who 
takes part in the chase. 

An order was received at Pine Ridge yesterday to re- 



store the portion of rations back to the standard of the 
treaty made in 1877 with the Sioux Indians, the treaty 
made by them with the United States after the out- 
break which cubninated in the Custer massacre. At the 
beginning of President Cleveland's administration an 
order was given to cut down the amount of rations 33^3 
per cent. Thus was another promise made to the Indians 
broken. Little Wound, the principal chief of the Sioux 
here, testified in my presence, the inception of all the 
discontent, which has now culminated into an outbreak, 
was due to the order reducing rations. One grievance 
after another they had until perhaps the ration question 
was lost sight of. The final determination was the unit- 
ing of all the disaffected elements into the ghost dance. 
He ( Little Wound ) informed the agent that he attached 
but small importance to the ghost dance as a religious 
ceremony, but that it was simply a cover under which 
to unite all parties who considered themselves wronged. 
This testimony was given by Little Wound in the agent's 
office a few days since and in the presence of many 
reputable witnesses. Whether the rations were large or 
small in amount the government was not justified in 
breaking its promise to these Indians. From my own ob- 
servation they seemed to be ample, but if that even be 
an admitted fact, the original cause of dissatisfaction re- 
mains to them. Relying upon the honor of the govern- 
ment they made the stipulated treaty, and its provisions 
should have been adhered to, unless consent was first 
given by both parties, for let it not be forgotten no per- 
son will scrutinize the execution of a contact closer than 
the wards of our government. This has been the domi- 



nant known characteristic of the Indian since America 
was first discovered and a violation has been shown time 
and time again, sooner or later, to work out its own re- 
ward, which reward is best known by those who have 
suffered outrages at their hands. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux saddle hag 



^L-^83>^^^.^ 



The Camp of the Hostiles 

Father Jute Makes His Report 
The Indians Strongly Entrenched 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D, (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 5, 
1890 — [Special] — On Wednesday afternoon young Jack 
Red Cloud and Father Jute, the Catholic priest at this 
agency, set out for the camp of the hostile Indians under 
direction of General Brooke. It was thought Dr, Jute was 
the only white man who could visit this place and come 
away unharmed. Dr. Jute has been among these Indians 
for seven years and at this agency for four, so he is well 
acquainted with all the hostiles and Indian characters. 
They set out and followed White Clay Creek to the Bad 
Lands, choosing this unusual route that they might not 
be molested by the swarm of Indian spies all over the 
high regions. At nightfall they became lost and an in- 
tense cold wave, with a snow storm, set in. Dr. Jute and 
his Indian companion walked back and forth all night to 
keep from freezing, without food or fire to assist them in 
passing the cheerless night. At dawn they resumed their 
journey and about 11 o'clock they reached the camp. At 



1 o'clock the council began and lasted until 4 p.m. The 
chiefs present were Two Strike, Turning Bear, High 
Hawk, Crow Dog, Kicking Bear, Eagle Pipe, High Pipe 
and Big Turkey. Then followed stormy scenes. The In- 
dians made their complaints. They objected to the cen- 
sus, that it was false and unfair and not giving the full 
number of families. This being true it would cut down 
their rations and the Rosebud Indians would not have 
enough to eat this winter. They objected greatly to Cen- 
sus Agent Lea and his arbitrary methods when among 
them, refusing to listen to what they had to say as to 
their families. They objected to the soldiers being here 
and reiterated that they would never come in while they 
remained, that is, the large majority of the council. They 
repeated that they did not wish to remain at Rosebud; 
they desired to belong to this agency permanently and 
since the recent survey they considered themselves as 
belonging here. Their agent had threatened them and 
told them if thev did not keep to his agency he would 
bring soldiers to keep them, and place whoever resisted 
in prison. That is what they now fear. They also ex- 
pressed fear for what they have done, for the conse- 
quences of all their depredations so far committed. 

At this point Crow Dog, leader of the young bucks, 
arose and declared they would never come while soldiers 
were here. This was heartily indorsed by all the young 
leaders. Father Jute urged them again to come; that the 
soldiers were not here to harm them, but to protect the 
agency properly; that the rations had already been in- 
creased, etc. He promised that General Brooke would 
telegraph to Washington to request that they be trans- 



ferred. He further advised them to ruin no more prop- 
erty or steal any more cattle, that they had better 
submit; it would be much easier for them if they contin- 
ued on as they were doing, making preparations for fight- 
ing. The Doctor thinks some of the old men will come 
back if guaranteed that they will not be imprisoned or 
injured in any way for what already has been done. They 
told how they wished to go, but the young men had kept 
them back by force. 

It was finally agreed that some of the old chiefs would 
come in on horseback to-morrow and say to General 
Brooke what they had said to the doctor, then return and 
consult with all the others. This motion was bitterly op- 
posed by all the young men present, but such an arrange- 
ment was finally made, they to start to-day and be here 
to-morrow. They first made Dr. Jute swear, by holding 
up his two hands toward heaven that what he said was 
true and he required them to swear in like manner that 
they would keep their promise and come. 

Jute related that he saw from 1,000 to 1,200 well 
armed young men in camp. Most aU the women and 
children are absent. It is reported that they are killing 
cattle everywhere and all through the camp they were 
drying jerked beef, having already huge quantities 
stored. He saw many burned ranches on his way from 
camp. He also says there are many Indians there from 
all the Sioux agencies aside from Rosebud and Pine 
Ridge. These Indians are well fortified and have chosen 
a strong natural position. He thinks the soldiers here can 
never get to them, as there are only three passes reaching 
to their present abode. 



These statements of Dr. Jute corroborate in every par- 
ticular all that has been reported of them in the last few 
days. A few old chiefs will doubtless come here, but 
whatever position they take the young men will never 
surrender. 

Surgeon General Bache of the Platte arrived here to- 
day. The sanitary condition of the camp is splendid, the 
health of all the men excellent and not one unfit for 
duty. An extra issue of beef rations was given the In- 
dians here this afternoon. It is intended to mount the 
infantry regiment at once upon their arrival at Rosebud. 

W. F. K. 

No Lack of Provender 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 5, 
1890 — [Special] — Day by day is confirmed the im- 
pression that the War Department expects a long siege 
before peace again reigns in this region. Indian drivers 
and army teamsters by the score daily are bringing 
loaded wagons of supplies from Rushville, until now the 
yard about the supply shed resembles one huge city 
warehouse. Under shed and upon the outside platform 
are piled bags of flour, beans, etc., fully thirty feet high, 
covered with large pieces of canvas, while in the yard are 
mountains of hay, baled and unbaled, and oats and such 
other provender. There are already enough supplies here 
for a considerable length of time, and still they are com- 
ing as fast as men and horses can haul them. Daily are 
notices posted at the little post-ofiice door asking bids for 
supphes of beef and all other necessities desired for the 
comfort of officers and men in such quantities as to cause 

87 



some comment and various expectations as to the future. 

American Horse, the chief and great friend of the 
whites, is very anxious about the absence of his son, who 
went to look for some cattle near the hostile camp. He 
has now been gone many days and as American Horse 
has incurred the bitter enmity of most of the Sioux by 
his open friendship for the white man, his son's long ab- 
sence worries him. Speaking of American Horse leads 
me to remark that he is a most pleasant Indian, courte- 
ous and jovial, very fond of playing jokes and withal pos- 
sessing much wit and ready repartee in conversation. He 
delights most in hanging about the agent's office, play- 
ing his pranks upon the agent and newspaper men, with 
all of whom he is a great favorite. The old man easily 
earns his cigars and cigarettes in this manner each day. 

During the last two days not a word has been heard 
from the hostile camp. Runners have been sent out, but 
whether they have been held by the enemy or are wil- 
fully absent one can only surmise. This fact appears 
somewhat singular, this dearth of spies back and forth 
between the camps, for heretofore there were so many 
that not all of them could be given an audience. It is 
hard to account for the change of tactics. General Brooke 
keeps his own counsel, and is very shy when newspaper 
men are about. It is doubtful whether a single person 
here knows what his plans are, not even the agents them- 
selves. He has taken entire charge of everything under 
the recent order of the department, and no longer holds 
consultations with the agents, they being apparently as 
much at sea as to the future as every other person here. 

W. F. K. 

88 



Bad Reports Verified 
Indians Rampage 

Thousands of Cattle Stampeded 
Property of Settlers Wantonly Destroyed 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 6, 
1890 — [Special] — The dearth of news which has pre- 
vailed at Pine Ridge for the last two or three days was 
suddenly dissolved this evening by the arrival of John 
O'Rourke and William McGas, two half breeds who re- 
side on White River and have lost everything. That 
which was not stolen was wantonly destroyed. It has 
been doubted by some papers and men that these In- 
dians have destroyed as much property as alleged by the 
newspapers who have the means of knowing the news, 
and they looked upon such reports as highly colored. 
The following account is given by the two men to Agent 
Royer, General Brooke and Special Agent Cooper: 

John O'Rourke and William McGas left here on Tues- 
day to investigate affairs at their ranches on the White 
River. Although it was a daring feat they successfully ac- 
complished their purpose, not however without much 

89 



trouble and adventures with Indian scouts from the hos- 
tile camp. During their whole trip of investigation they 
were followed by two Indians who kept close by them 
and camped with them both nights. They did not so 
much fear an attack as the stealing of their horses. To 
avoid the latter calamity they made the Indians sleep 
between them at night. They describe the whole coun- 
try as one vast stretch of desolation, not an habitual in- 
habitant or white man being in the whole country. Ruin 
and wreck upon every side. Milk cows are running wild 
over the hill-tops, bellowing with pain at long neglect; 
horses with ropes about their necks, running here and 
there, captured once by the Indians, but strayed or 
broken away from their late captors. It should be re- 
membered they were accompanied by three friendly In- 
dians from here, who fully verified the statement made 
by the two men. 

The first place visited was the ranch of William Mc- 
Gas, on White River, at the mouth of Porcupine Creek. 
He possessed seventy-five head of horses and 225 head 
of cattle, which are all gone, the Indians having carried 
them off. He hardly knows what estimate to put upon 
his loss as some were blooded stock, also one stallion 
which cost him $500. They entered his stable and cut 
his harness all to pieces. They also took twelve well- 
broken work horses from his stable, all corn, grain and 
oats he had stored upon his premises. They entered his 
house and tore his children's clothes into bits, also his 
wife's and his own. His sewing machine they turned 
upon the floor and knocked it into small pieces. Some of 
his cattle were killed in the door yard, and there the red 

^u_=^ 90 ])^^^.>-j> 



maurauders held a feast over the ruin they had wrought. 
McGas was a fairly well-to-do ranchman and the above 
represented the savings of a lifetime, and as the poor 
fellow related his tale to the agent tears ran down his 
rough face at the thought that he was now homeless and 
penniless. 

They next went to the house of Mr. O'Rourke, on White 
River, at the mouth of Wounded Knee. He has lost his 
whole drove of horses, numbering about the same as 
McGas, seventy-five or eighty head. He dared not ven- 
ture oflF to his herding ground, which was toward the 
camp of the Indians. The presumption is that they are a 
total loss to him. 

At the place of Dick Stirk, six horses, all he had, were 
taken away. The Indians have also taken all the cattle 
from his place. The ranch house was wrecked the same 
as the others. At William Valangry's, horses were stolen 
and trunks broken open, the contents of which were 
thrown about the yard and some of them burned. A 
rather ludicrous accident happened at this place. While 
they were lassoing some of the cattle one Indian threw 
his lariat into the herd, and instead of its covering the 
head of the steer, as was intended, it settled over the 
body of an Indian, who was mixed up in the herd. The 
rider at once spurred up his horse and before the mistake 
was discovered the jaw and collar bone of the Indian 
were broken by his rough slide over the ground at the 
end of the rope. 

John Steele had forty head of his cattle killed and about 
one hundred of his horses were lost and stolen. Char- 
les Cooney's house was destroyed wholly and he also 



lost some twenty cattle and seven horses — all he pos- 
sessed. The Widow Cooney had her house in the path of 
this red cyclone and of course it did not escape. It ap- 
pears they were not hungry when they were here, as 
they scattered all the sugar and coffee in the house in the 
yard and so left it. They simply desire to destroy and are 
not raiding for food, as has been claimed. 

They have not confined their attention to the property 
of private persons, but have burned the agency ranch on 
the White River, the headquarters of the government, 
cattle ranches, also the house of Mr. John Guire, the 
chief government herder. 

The men had a conversation with spies met in the 
neighborhood, and from them learned some things, 
which although previously reported, their testimony 
strongly strengthens. The Indians who have left Rose- 
bud affirm it is for good, never to return. It is known 
they desire to belong to this agency, but as there are so 
many here at present it has been thought impracticable 
to allow them to change. 

They swear, however, that they will remain on this 
reservation or die. 

From all that is learned. Chief Two Strike wishes to 
come in and report, but he is kept back by Short Bull, 
Conquering Bear and Kicking Bear, the chief of the 
ghost dancers. One report this afternoon announced that 
he was on his way alone on horseback to this place, that 
he had succeeded in leaving those who have so long 
acted against his orders, or rather wishes. While he has 
been undoubtedly the head chief, vet he has been a 
"prisoner in his castle." 



The fact that all these troubles could have been nipped 
in the bud, if action had been taken a week ago, is uni- 
versally expressed. Owing to the dilatory actions of those 
in command the situation is so changed and enlarged in 
scope that no one can predict when and where it will 
terminate. 

W. F. K. 

Arrive in Camp 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 6, 
1890 — [Special] — As predicted in the dispatches of 
yesterday a band of chiefs and warriors made their ap- 
pearance this morning. They remained at Dr. Jute's 
house last evening some five miles from here, and at 9 
o'clock this morning a singular looking cavalcade was 
seen making its way over the top of a hill. At the head 
rode Big Turkey, bearing a large white sheet upon a pole 
symbolic of peace. Following came Bull Dog, High Pipe 
and Bad Horse and then followed Dr. Jute and the aged 
Two Strike in the doctor's cart, warriors and chiefs be- 
hind to the total number of thirty-one. The appearance 
of these Indians caused much excitement, but they 
halted not and made their way direct to General Brooke's 
headquarters. On the journey in from their camps they 
feared the whole proceeding was a trap laid by the sol- 
diers to capture them and they kept scouts and outriders 
ahead. The most trivial affair was sufficient to throw 
them into commotion. During the ride of a few miles this 
morning from the priest's house, they halted four times 
and refused to come any further so great had become 
their fear. They finally consented to advance when the 

<^-^93>^^-^ 



doctor informed them that they could kill him if any 
soldiers made their appearance or offered in any manner 
to molest them. From what they told the doctor last eve- 
ning they did not believe more than a hundred men 
would follow their example if they should decide to 
come here, although they told General Avery a different 
story. They said they were not afraid of the soldiers at 
their camp and thought they held an impregnable posi- 
tion. Many of the chiefs who had given their word to the 
doctor to come at the last moment changed their minds 
and refused. The hostiles tried in every manner to keep 
these friendlies from coming, but did not succeed to the 
extent they hoped. They say Short Bull is the military 
leader, the ideal champion of the young men, and that 
Kicking Bear, at Cheyenne, is the leader of all the ghost 
dances. Horses and men had on war paint when they ar- 
rived at the doctor's house, but this morning it was 
washed off and their entree caused no comment on that 
score. It may be added that they spent the entire night 
gambling for cartridges in the Catholic chapel. 

When the newspaper men applied for permission to be 
present and hear them make their complaint. General 
Brooke peremptorily refused, but when it was nearly 
finished he allowed them to enter the sacred portal in 
time for the final hand shaking at the breaking up of the 
council. The complaints made were the same as made to 
Dr. Jute. It was a striking sight, the council chamber 
filled with these people and a few military officers. Gen- 
eral Brooke with Generals Wharton and Forsyth on 
either side, the Indians in a semi-circle before him. Turn- 
ing Bear, a magnificently proportioned brave, with his 



robes of beaded work thrown carelessly about him, stood 
in the centre declaiming the wrongs of his race. It was 
plainly seen that the general expected good to emanate 
from him. The aged, decrepit chief Two Strike, al- 
though present, resigned much of his speech to young 
men. 

The general informed them that he desired them to 
come in from the Bad Lands near the agency, all those 
that did not wish trouble. He also tried to suggest a day 
when they would move to this side of White River, which 
was finally agreed upon as the place they were to camp 
for a time, but they replied with the old tale that they 
had old women, squaws, etc., and it would take them 
some time to move. The general tried very hard to press 
them for a more definite time, but it was unavailing. He 
could get nothing further. He promised to give the 
young men work to do, which caused their eyes to 
twinkle with laughter at the idea; to employ some as 
scouts, etc., at which they grunted signs of approval, but 
doubtless felt different. No reference was made by either 
side as to the wholesale butchering of cattle, thieving, 
devastation and burning of buildings that has transpired. 
This singular fact was much commented upon by all 
whites present. To sum up the whole affair it simply 
amounted to nothing, simply a little patting on the back 
and saying, "Mr. Indian, if you come in we will feed you 
well," that is simply the sum and substance of the whole 
council. 

W. F. K. 



ci.-^ 95 j)^*^.^ 



Moved Into Bad Lands 

Sioux Go on With War Preparations 
Reported Collision — Wholesale Depredations 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
8, 1890 — [Special] — Beaver Monta has just reported 
to the agent that the Indians have moved back five miles 
into the Bad Lands. Thus, instead of holding a council 
to-day as they promised and sending a messenger in to 
report the result, they have renewed their war prepar- 
ations by moving farther away. This was done imme- 
diately upon the return of the chiefs from here. 

W. F. K. 




Stone axe 



The Indians Divided 

War Imminent Among Them 

Differences of Opinion About Going to Agency 
Likely to Cause Bloodshed 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
9, 1890 — [Special] — The hostiles camped on White 
River near the Bad Lands are quarrelHng among them- 
selves over the question of coming into this agency. 
Chief Two Strike and his band wish to come, but the 
young bucks will not listen to such a proposition, so 
strong is the feeling on both sides that fighting may 
take place. One faction is apparently as firm as the other. 
Six government scouts sent out from Pine Ridge Sunday 
morning having not yet returned. 

W F. K. 

The Situation 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (Via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
9, 1890 — [Special] — The main topic of conversation 
on yesterday was the council held on Saturday with the 

97 



Indians from the White River. There is no dissent in the 
opinion as to its value. 

All hope, of course, that the Indians will come in and 
submit to the authorities, but the judgment of men com- 
petent to know is wholly against their doing so. To judge 
from outward circumstances no reason can be assigned 
for their coming, as they are in every way possible situ- 
ated more favorably than they could be upon any Indian 
reservation in the United States. The true Indian re- 
quisites for life and happiness are complete in amount in 
the Bad Lands at their present camp. They have an 
abundant supply of food, water and wood, enough of all 
to last them forever if they can maintain their position. 
and from what scouts and others acquainted with the 
country say, there are only three entrances or rather nar- 
row passes leading to the table land where they are en- 
camped, the table land affording considerable good 
pasturage for stock. These same scouts say fifty men 
could easily at each of these passes keep a small army 
at bay. Shells and cannon balls would not afford anv 
assistance as the cannons cannot be taken across these 
exterior portions of the Bad Lands, adjacent on all sides 
to the table land. 

That General Brooke realizes the very serious task on 
hand is shown from his scheme of tr\'ing to withdraw 
the Indians from this place. He possibh" thinks they will 
emerge from this place and nimbh^ tumble into a mili- 
tary trap. Why should they come out and leave their 
homes and suppHes unprotected? It is well known in In- 
dian warfare Indians do not usually begin an attack 
upon their enemy. Certainly not unless they have over- 



whelming numbers and a superiority of position. They 
know as well as General Brooke knows that troops are 
massed all about the edge of the Bad Lands, ready to 
advance in there if they can do so. Then why should 
they be tempted to leave them, giving them credit of a 
small degree of intelligence? If the Indian is ever cun- 
ning, he certainly is in time of war, and no one is better 
acquainted with the country, the number of his enemies, 
etc., than he, and it seems folly to suppose he would 
abandon such a position as he possesses if fighting is to 
be done. 

The Indians have every advantage they could ask in 
acting upon the defensive. Is it then reasonable to sup- 
pose he will leave all without consideration and take the 
field on the offensive? 

Two Strike and his band left on Sunday morning and 
expected to hold a council upon their consultation with 
General Brooke. This will probably take place to-day, 
if the Indian program is carried out as promised to the 
General. However according to Indian custom it is more 
probable it will be several days. An Indian never seems 
to appreciate "that time is fleeting," therefore the hold- 
ing of the council is indefinite. 

There is much complaint made at the interpretation 
given by Wells to the General at the holding of the 
council on Saturday. The Indians afterward said he 
spoke so fast they could not understand half he said; that 
in the idiomatic way they have of speaking he gave what 
may be called in one sense a literal meaning, but did not 
give the expression necessary, and its full meaning. 
Many gentlemen were present who speak the language, 



and every one interviewed upon the subject gave it as 
his opinion tjiat the interpretation was unsatisfactory 
and not what it should have been. 

Wells, the interpreter upon the occasion, is not the 
man who serves here in this capacity, but a man who 
came from up in Northern Dakotas some days since and 
claimed to thoroughly understand the Sioux language. 
This feature of the council is the one most commented 
upon by the public here. 

To give a brief synopsis of the situation, not at all my 
own opinion, but the universal talk of the place, the situ- 
ation is the most unsatisfactory. The troops have now 
been here two weeks and not a move of any kind has 
been made to protect property and stock. The criticism 
made upon General Brooke is of the severest character, 
and already newspaper men have inquired and are un- 
able to find an officer who has ever known of his having 
any practical experience with the Indian. 

It is to be hoped he will be able to disprove some of 
the bitter allegations now being heard in regard to him. 

Adjutant-General Cole, Golonel Harry Hotchkiss of 
Lincoln and Captain Finney visited this place on Sun- 
day and spent a pleasant afternoon looking over the cav- 
alry camp and meeting the officers of that famous regi- 
ment. 

W. F. K. 



<L_^ 100 ))^^:s.._J> 



The Redskins Retreat 
War Cloud Grows Darker 

Little Prospect that an Encounter 

With Militia Will be Averted 

Delay Occasioned by N on- Arrival of Miles 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., Dec. lo, 1890 — [Special] — 
The report of Monday that the Indians had moved 
farther into the Bad Lands seems confirmed. If this is 
founded upon fact there can certainly be no longer any 
reason for delay. The parley must now end, for the In- 
dians in returning to their camp, holding a council upon 
what they had heard and said to the general, returning 
to their friends, and after holding a consultation, moved 
farther away, instead of coming at once on this side of 
the White River as they solemnly promised to do when 
conferring with General Brooke. This must surely be 
looked upon as the plainest of answers as to their fu- 
ture intentions. 

It was predicted, from their talk and manner of talk- 
ing when in council, they would never do as promised. 



Their refusal to amplify any time as to their moving, 
their evident intention of avoiding the subject, pretend- 
ing to not understand the subject when alluded to, all 
these things, small in themselves, perhaps, yet were 
suflScient to convince those who know the Indian well 
that his thoughts were in a different direction than 
indicated by the words he uttered. It is thought Gen- 
eral Brooke to some extent put confidence in what thev 
said and was inclined to give them a reasonable time 
to come this way, upon the strength of that confidence. 
If the hostiles remained at their old camp, they would 
have been allowed a week or so to move, but as they 
have gone farther away, this certainly puts an end to 
hopes of peace, since no word to the contrary has been 
received, nor word of explanation. The troops may not 
move until the arrival of General Miles, who is daily ex- 
pected here, he having been reported as having left 
Chicago on Monday morning. Many reports have come 
here as to when General Miles was to have been here, 
this one seems authentic and he will arrive here to-day 
if he does not delay on the road. 

It is very cold, with prospects of a blizzard any day, 
and officers and men heartily wish to go after the In- 
dians or be allowed to return home to their posts for the 
winter. They do not seem to relish the idea of being in 
tents during intense cold or a blizzard. Some of them 
will surely remain here all winter, campaign or no cam- 
paign, and already speculations are rife as to what regi- 
ment will escape and what will remain, if the scene 
should shift from the present prospect. All the troops 
are anxious to be away after the Indians. They do not 

<L_^ 102 >^^_J' 



dread the hardships to be encountered by a winter cam- 
paign in the Bad Lands, but rather rejoice in the wel- 
come rehef it will give them from their tiresome garrison 
duty. 

A war comes so seldom in the life of our army officers 
that they are more pleased even than the privates, are 
willing to lay aside their pleasant winter quarters and 
officers' club for the prospect of gaining honor and dis- 
tinction among their brother officers as well as the out- 
side world. 

There is a singular jealousy between all branches of 
the service. The cavalrymen rather look down upon the 
foot soldiers, consider them as hardly their equal in dash 
and valor. These sentiments are reciprocated heartily by 
the infantrymen toward the horsemen. 

Although they give vent to their feelings very cau- 
tiously, fearful of infringing upon military etiquette, it is 
well known that the Seventh Cavalry is fairly itching, if it 
may be so expressed, to be away and pursue the poor In- 
dian. These are the same Indians who mercilessly shot 
down the gallant Custer and 300 men of the Seventh Ca- 
valry on that memorable day of June 25, 1876. Many of 
the present officers were with Reno on that day, only 
four miles distant, and it is safe to say the Sioux will 
receive no quarter from this famous regiment should 
an opportunity occur to wreak out vengeance for the 
blood taken at the battle of the Little Big Horn. 

It is touching to notice how the memory and acts of 
that day are treasured in the hearts of the officers and 
men. To them they are of the most sacred character 
never to be forgotten, for they loved their dashing colo- 



nel, their brother oflBcers, the daily companions of their 
life in the service for many years. To-day is semi-monthly 
ration day and it is noticeable that there is not the same 
number of Indians present that there was two weeks 
ago. When an Indian comes not for his rations some- 
thing must be wrong. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux mans moccasins 



<L-^ 104 >^^.=._^ 



The Time for Action 

An Engagement Reported 

Friendly Indians and Hostiles Meet 
And Blood is Shed 

Pine Ridge Agency. S. D., (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
11, 1890 — [Special] — The deadlock in the situation 
lasting for several days, has at length been broken. Cour- 
iers have arrived telling stories which have dissolved 
all doubt as to the position of the hostiles, where they are 
and what they intend to do. It is now shown that diplo- 
macy will have to be put aside and the submission of 
the greater part of the Indians be accomplished by the 
force of troops. A courier arrived at the agency this 
evening about dusk. He was surrounded by hundreds of 
people, all anxious to know the outcome, all eagerly 
pulling and questioning him as to what he knew about 
the enemy. After a brief talk he proceeded to the gen- 
eral's headquarters and related his story, and it rudely 
dispelled the delusions that have been prevalent about 
the headquarters for the past two weeks as to the major- 
ity of the Indians coming in here. His story was con- 



firmed at 3 o'clock this morning by the arrival of 
"Yankton Charley" of the six chosen scouts sent out by 
the general on Sunday and the first one to report. Upon 
his arrival he at once went to the general's sleeping 
apartment and told the following story: It appears the 
party of chiefs got back to their camp on Sunday night 
and had an informal talk through the camp that night, 
they (the peace party) strongly urging the remainder 
to put by their war intentions and come to the agency. 

On Monday morning the formal council took place, 
with sacred pipes and in robes of state they proceeded 
to consider their position and what they should do. The 
conclave lasted all day and far into the night. 

Warm and bitter were the words indulged in by those 
present, according to their convictions. The war party 
seemed to predominate, yet no decision was reached 
that night. On Tuesday the talk resumed. Again did 
it proceed all day, again were all the pros and cons gone 
over in Indian fashion, yet no result was reached on that 
evening. On Wednesday morning, seeing the futility of 
further talking. Two Strike stepped forth before the 
people, and drawing a long line through the sand with 
his foot invited all those who were for peace to come 
upon one side of the line and their opponents to remain 
upon the other. A hundred or two immediately sur- 
rounded their old chief. They had no sooner done so 
than the young men under Short Bull set up a tremen- 
dous whoop and bore down upon their opponents, with 
war clubs. Both parties were soon indiscrimately mixed 
and fighting desperately. 

^_^io6>^^=^ 



Soon were to be seen many dead on both sides, the 
tops of their heads crushed in with the war clubs. The 
scout Yankton Charley, thinking this an auspicious mo- 
ment to leave, took his departure without waiting to see 
the termination of the melee. He had been closely 
watched during his stay and made the most of the mo- 
ment to get away. 

It should be understood that this camp extends some 
four miles up and down the creek, or rather line of 
springs, so but a small part of the whole camp was really 
engaged in the affray. This simply shows the despera- 
tion of the fighting party and the means they are willing 
to resort to, to carry their end. As has been said all along 
by the newspaper men here the larger part of the In- 
dians want to fight and it is doubtful if they can be ap- 
peased in any other way. Their force has been recruited 
during the past week by men from other agencies until 
now they have a force of 2,000. The scout relates of them 
as saying the military are afraid of coming after them 
in the Bad Lands and quite naturally other Indians 
hearing and knowing of the luxurious life they are living, 
are strongly tempted by such attractions to join them. 

General Brooke became so anxious yesterday as to the 
fate of his six scouts that at noon he summoned Frank 
Girard and instructed him to send out at once six men 
to see what had become of them. The one who returned 
last evening says he did not see any of his five mates all 
the time he was at the camp. The first who came in re- 
ported Little Cat to be killed by the Indians and that 
the other four were imprisoned and not allowed to leave. 
Their position is thought to be very dangerous now. 



Since blood has been spilt, the Indians will demand their 
lives unless they are strongly protected by friends. It is 
thought the reason Two Strike fought so strongly for 
peace is that he realizes the whites will conquer in the 
end and in that event he will be a greater chief than ever 
for being on the winning side. Two Strike has the repu- 
tation of being a politician, if nothing else, and his pre- 
sent peaceful attitude is a political necessity, rather than 
any desire he has not to fight the troops. 

It is to be regretted that all the hostiles are not more 
politic. The Indians did move farther into the Bad 
Lands, as before reported, but owing to the scarcity of 
water they returned to the former position which they 
have strongly fortified with rifle pits, forming them by 
digging holes in the sides of the sandy hills into which 
they have carried their provisions with suflScient space 
for themselves and families. 

It was noticed yesterday by the Indian poHce that 
300 or 400 Indians were at the beef issue with guns who 
did not belong at this agency, and who took no part in 
the killing of cattle. It being a good opportunity for 
them to come in and look around \\dthout being too con- 
spicuous, they came straggling in during the night and 
departed during the following afternoon, doubtless with 
all the information they wished. 

It is now thought and heard upon semiofficial author- 
ity that the troops will move from here on Saturday, and 
certainly indications lead one to think they will. Dailv 
now are troops sent out in all directions, apparently for 
drilling purposes, but really to get the Indians accus- 

108 



tomed to see them moving in all directions without ex- 
citing suspicion. 

Pack mules with provisions upon their backs are 
moved out on the adjoining hills. Some day or probably 
night, all these will move out and will forget to move 
back at the proper time for so doing. It is understood 
that one oflBcer in each arm of the service has received 
instructions to have the troops all ready to march Friday. 
However, it is thought they will not move before Satiu*- 
day. One Hotchkiss and one Gatling gun and five can- 
non throwing thirteen pound shells will accompany the 
troops. These shell guns can be used eflFectively at a dis- 
tance of four or five miles and will be greatly needed if 
the Indians remain in their pits on top of an adjoining 
hiU, out of reach of the enemy's fire. 

Unless all signs are very deceiving or the outlook com- 
promised in some way by further tidings, it now looks as 
if the troops would move forward to the Bad Lands in 
two or three days at the most. The situation is critical 
and General Brooke's last hope for a peaceful settlement 
is thought to be dissipated. 

W. F. K. 




/ 

Sioux peace pipe 



Troops Stay at Home 
Indian Against Indian 

Three Hundred of Friendly Disposed 
Sent to Join the Band of Two Strike 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
12, 1890 — [Special] — Instead of mo\4ng the troops 
this morning, as was predicted in vesterdav's dispatch, 
the general last night conceived another scheme to bring 
the hostiles in from their retreat. After having given or- 
ders and gotten the ti'oops all readv to leave the aban- 
doned the idea of sending them and sent out between 
two and three hundred Indians, well armed, to fight the 
hostiles and bring them to Pine Ridge. They are sent to 
join the band under T\^'o Strike, who are coming this 
way slowly, to reinforce them and force a fight if pos- 
sible. Although the general was repeatedly urged to 
send out a company of police and Indian scouts as being 
a more efficient force, he refused and persisted in send- 
ing an arrav of old coffee colors, as thev are called. 

Your correspondent was informed last night bv Dr. 
Jute, the priest, that on Wednesdav night there had been 



a large desertion from the peaceful party on White River. 
They broke away from their comrades and returned to 
the enemy in the Bad Lands. 

Various expressions of opinions are to be heard as to 
the result of this somewhat novel military maneuver 
of encouraging the enemy to fight the enemy. Some 
think there will be no force attempted, remembering the 
old saying, "that blood is thicker than water;" others 
think if they are forced from their stronghold it will only 
result in throwing them upon the settlers at the foot of 
the Black Hills. 

Murder and pillage then would go hand in hand. The 
result hoped for may be accomplished by the Indians, 
but many, many chances are against it being done. If 
the troops were advanced on all sides and the three 
avenues of escape blocked the Indians would be largely 
kept in the Bad Lands until finally conquered. Certainly 
they could not get to the north to commit murder or 
any great amount of depredations. Another and the most 
powerful reason of all why the troops should bring in 
the Indians is that the Indian must be taught to obey, 
and if not, to bear the consequences. The moral effect 
is lost wholly if the Indians sent out prevail, as they will 
not look upon them as the power of the government. 
This lesson is needed as the safeguard of the future. 
Without it the heavy expense of troops being brought 
here and maintained does not accomplish the effect for 
good that it was intended to do. 

Again, the officials are aiding Two Strike and his fel- 
lows to gain what is virtually political supremacy for 
them. They have been as guilty as the ones who now 

<L_^^ 111 ))^^==^_J> 



remain in the Bad Lands killing cattle and destroying 
property. In fact, in a strict sense, if such a thing may 
be said, they are more guilty, for they are the Indians 
who first defied authority and by cutting loose from all 
connections gave the signal for outlaw Indians to join 
them and start on the destructive career they all have 
pursued for the past three weeks. Will it not be that 
these Indians who are now willing to suppress their 
former friends will look for immunity and exoneration 
for their past offenses? Can this be consistently and con- 
scientiously borne out by the government in the final 
settlement? Are they not placing themselves in a precar- 
ious position for future operations with Two Strike and 
his followers? That the war department should be left 
free and untrammelled in the future adjustment of so 
serious a trouble as this has proved to be cannot be 
doubted. Whichever way the affair terminates the policy 
undertaken by the general commanding is sure to make 
trouble for the future. 

It will only be a few days before the result of this new 
move can be known. The conditions of this trouble have 
been such from the first that troops not diplomacy, 
should have been employed. The end could have been 
reached without the loss of a man, but the golden mo- 
ment passed. What the future will be is as uncertain to- 
day as it was two weeks ago. 

W. F. K. 



'L..^ 112))^^.=^ 



Waiting for Tidings 
Warriors Fail to Report 

Short Bull and Band Hold Old Position 
And Make No Move 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.) — Dec. 
13, 1890 — [Special] — No word has yet been received 
from the band of warriors that left for Two Strike's camp 
on Thursday night and no beneficial results are expected 
from this action on the part of the general. Black Fox, as 
Indian courier, reported to the agents last night that the 
hostiles yesterday were still encamped on White River, 
not yet crossed and were coming south. The other band 
is only five miles away and all appear again to be on very 
intimate terms, the late melee being forgotten. Two 
Strike further says he will come no further south until 
provisions are sent to them at White River, pretending to 
understand that the general promised these conditions at 
their council one week ago. He only did promise to sup- 
ply them if they would come here and camp. 

General Brooke received word yesterday from his sub- 
ordinate at Rapid City that 250 armed citizens and cow- 



boys had left that place to fight the Indians and protect 
the settlements and northern borders of the Bad Lands. 
That the Indians are committing depredations in that 
quarter is known, and yet with several companies of cav- 
alry stationed near Rapid City, under order of General 
Brooke, no move has been made to protect them. The 
general seems averse to hear any reports as to the condi- 
tion of affairs as they exist. In his desire not to over-es- 
timate the seriousness of the situation, he has made the 
mistake of not comprehending the real magnitude of the 
task on hand. This may seem a serious criticism of the 
person holding the rank of General Brooke, but from his 
actions and what he says to others about the Indians it 
can be accounted for in no other way, unless it be he 
knows nothing of the Indian. 

As said in yesterday's dispatches the situation has 
never been so full of danger as at the present time. In 
fact, the whites here are, to say the least, badly fright- 
ened. It is known that the Indians are making arrows 
and sharpening knives within a pistol shot of this agency. 
This fact has not been revealed as the discovery of a 
day, but it has been known for a week and reported to 
General Brooke, who laughs at the idea of an attack on 
this place in the dead of night. With plenty of soldiers 
here, 1,200 or more, not a soldier picket is stationed out- 
side the line of tents, if two who stand guard in the pro- 
vision yard be excepted. It is not expected the Indians 
would stop to fight here, but in a dash at night many 
could be killed and much damage done. Let it be said 
this is not probable, but still possible, and especially 
easy under the present military condition at night. The 

«L-^ 114))'^^* — ^ 



idea would never have been thought of had not many 
persons here received word from Indians personally 
friendly to them that such a scheme was on foot. Know- 
ing other existing facts it seems plausible. A half dozen 
of the most reputable and influential white men here 
have received this warning from different Indians. Com- 
plaint is made that with such ample means of protection 
at hand no greater protection is given to Me and prop- 
erty than exists at present. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux mans vest 



<i_^ 115 >^^:.^ 



At the Break of Day 
Troops Start for Bad Lands 

General Brooke Gives Orders 
All Hands Prepared for Action 

RusHviLLE, Neb., Dec. 14, 1890 — [Special] — Orders 
have been given by General Brooke to have the Sev- 
enth, Eighth and Ninth Cavalry ready to march to the 
Bad Lands at sunrise to-morrow. The Seventh will start 
from Pine Ridge. Eight troops of the Sixth Cavalry are 
now at the junction of Cheyenne River and Rapid Creek. 
They will close in from this place. The Eighth Cavalry is 
scattered along the line of the Elkhorn Road, at Buffalo 
Gap, Oelrichs and Smithfield. They will probably con- 
solidate at some unknown place and advance from the 
west on the Indians. 

Yesterday the Indians were burning the range and 
destroying property with fire, so that last night the il- 
lumination was plainly seen at Rushville, Chadron and 
other places. It is now thought the troops will move 
promptly at break of day to-morrow. No attempt will be 
made to surprise the hostiles but a steady march will be 



made forward and a final closing up will be the line of 
action carried out. 

The cavalry will be under the command of Colonel 
Forsythe, a man who has had large experience with In- 
dians and Indian warfare. 

The Seventh, no doubt, will add glory to the honorable 
name they have already won in the impending struggle. 

W. F. K. 



May Look for Something Now 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 

14, 1890 — [Special] — The Seventh Cavalry leaves to- 
night or to-morrow morning for the Bad Lands. The 
Eighth and Sixth have been ordered there from Oelrich, 
Rapid City and Fort Meade. 

W. F. K. 

Not Yet Started 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 

15, 1890 — [Special] — The troops will not leave to- 
night, but will to-morrow. All indications induce that 
belief. General Brooke will not be interviewed. The Sev- 
enth Cavalry, a Hotchkiss and Catling guns accompany 
the infantry and the heavy artillery will guard Pine 
Ridge. Colonel Forsythe, who commands the field force, 
will not move to-day for fear of stampeding Two Strike's 
band, six miles from here, who came that far yesterday. 

W. F. K. 



Death Causes Delay 
Troops Remain in Camp 

Killing of Sitting Bull, General Miles Thinks 
May Cause Undue Commotion 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
16, 1890 — [Special] — Last night at 9:30 an order was 
received from General Miles delaying the day of march- 
ing, which was to have been at 8 o'clock this morning. 
The death of Sitting Bull at Standing Rock at this mo- 
ment, it was thought, would greatly complicate matters 
with the friendly Indians six miles from this place. The 
troops were all ready to move at dawn this morning, 
packs for mules and wagon trains to go with the com- 
mand as far as White River, on the edge of the Bad 
Lands. The troops will only be delayed a few days at 
most, it is thought, by the death of Sitting Bull. It was 
doubtless thought by General Miles that his death while 
being arrested would have a strong tendency to stam- 
pede the friendly chiefs with Two Strike and also those 
who have been connected with this trouble in the past, 
but supposedly not at the present. They would forsee in 
Bull's death their own future fate. 

^^«..:^ii8>^=^^ 



Standing Rock is 300 miles from here. The Indians do 
not yet know of his death, but will hear of it to-day. Sit- 
ting Bull has a few warm friends here, prominent among 
whom is the old chief Red Cloud, their past connection 
being cemented by mutual life-long hatred of the white 
man. The full particulars of his death are not yet known 
here. That Bull was a greatly overestimated Indian chief 
is well known at all Sioux agencies, as well as at his own 
home. He had but little influence of late and his follow- 
ing has only consisted of about sixty men, making their 
homes on the Grand River south of the agency proper. 
Bull has never been a warrior, his calling being that of a 
medicine man in the tribe, but more and above all else 
he was a modern day politician. While he has been a 
ghost dancer it may well be doubted if he has been in 
any manner associated with the other causes in this 
trouble. That he has not been prominent in the ghost 
dance is also thought to be a fact. Ever since the day of 
Custer he has been looked upon as the dangerous Indian 
of the country. Those who knew him best say he was a 
congenial, manly companion always. To his friends he 
admitted that he hated the race of white men, for he 
considered that they had repeatedly vva*onged his race. 
Some years ago he went to Europe and travelled in this 
country with Mr. Cody. At all places he was the recipient 
of many attentions and much honor. While in Washing- 
ton he made the remark: "Oh, how different my life 
would have been if I had seen all these places and things 
when a boy." 

Major Burke, manager of the Buffalo Bill show, speaks 
very feelingly of his death and strongly deprecates the 



prevalent idea that he was a wild, red desperado, for he 
had many praiseworthy qualities. 

Father Jute and Little Bat, the scout, left early this 
morning to bring all the friendly Indians at once to the 
agency where they will be kept and fed until the termi- 
nation of the trouble with the hostiles. Reports are arriv- 
ing telling of the depredations of the Indians on the Bad 
Lands. They are running all over the country between 
the northern edge of the Bad Lands and Cheyenne River 
and for twenty-five miles beyond up Rapid, French and 
Battle Creeks. This is a very thickly settled country and 
of course aflEords a much better country for raiding and 
plunder than the territory south of the Bad Lands on 
White River, where it has been confined until recendy. 

The report that three Indians were killed on French 
Creek in attempting to run off some cattle is confirmed. 
They belonged to the Cheyenne Agency. Report says the 
Indians are verv much excited over the occurrence and 
liable to participate in an open outbreak of their whole 
camp and to mingle with Sioux. 

General Brooke feels keenly the departure of the troops. 
He is said to have all his plans perfected for a thorough 
campaign. The general complains that he has been sub- 
jected to great criticism for his delay by the papers, and 
now that he desires to act and has the situation in hand 
he is stopped by a higher authority. He fears all his plans 
may be disarranged by the events of the next few days. 
It is reported that General Miles will pass through Rush- 
ville to-night and go to Rapid City on the north. 

W. F. K. 



The Indians Are Angry 

Outlook at Pine Ridge Anything But Pleasing 
Two Strike Arrives 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
17, 1890 — [Special] — Yesterday at noon Two Strike 
and his band came in from the CathoHc mission in obe- 
dience to the call sent out to them by General Brooke. 
They pitched their tents on the west side of Red Cloud's 
village, numbering 184 lodges, very few young men be- 
ing seen among them. According to the best reports 
there are 218 lodges of the hostiles, or about 1,000 men. 
Should the troops move out to attack them it is not 
doubted but what most of the Indians here would se- 
cretly slip out and join them. 

In wandering about the camp one can see that they 
regard the whites with no kindly eye, the squaws being 
especially vindictive in their expression and all begin to 
hiss upon the appearance of a white man and continue 
so to do until he is out of hearing. Rather amusing than 
disagreeable in this instance is such behavior. 

Inspector Reynolds is here adjusting a claim of some 
$28,000 held by the old chief, Red Cloud and his band 

<i_^ 121>^^=^J^ 



against the government. Inspector Cooper of the Indian 
department received an order yesterday directing him 
to proceed, when he could safely do so, to investigate 
the depredations committed on Porcupine and Wounded 
Knee Creeks, make a list of all property destroyed and 
return the same and claims to the department for settle- 
ment. The inspector jocosely remarks that he is in no 
haste to go into that section at present. 

Captain Taylor's company of Indian scouts returned 
last night. They were sent out on Monday evening in ex- 
pectancy of the troops advancing Tuesday morning and 
had advanced thirty-five miles before they were over- 
taken and ordered to come back. This company makes a 
splendid appearance with their new showy uniforms, 
their graceful horsemanship, etc. They are relied upon 
with confidence by General Brooke when the conflict 
begins. 

To-day was beef issue again. It was noticed that at 
the camp of Two Strike yesterday they had their last 
issue of cattle from Rosebud with them and large quan- 
tities of dried beef. Although this band has long been 
called the friendly Indians, no confidence is placed in 
them by the officials and it is as certain as anything can 
be certain in the future that they will join the hostiles 
when hostilities begin. 

General Miles has at last come to the seat of war. He 
passed through Rushville last night with his staff in a 
special car and will go at once to Rapid City. The gen- 
eral expects to make this place his headquarters and it 
is understood he will take command of the troops in the 
field in person on the northern border of the Bad Lands. 



General Miles reports that 150 lodges have left Stand- 
ing Rock agency to go south and join the hostiles. This 
makes a large addition to their number. The Indian 
police report that the Indians who have so far remained 
here in the trouble are gradually deserting and joining 
their warlike comrades. 

So far as can be noticed the death of Sitting Bull has 
produced no change in the feeling of the Indians here. 
It may be that it is not known among them yet. It is not 
probable any open demonstrations would be made in 
any event. 

Yesterday the army established a field hospital near 
the agency, piling up wood six feet high around the 
space as a protection in case of an emergency. The hos- 
pital consists of about a dozen large field tents, fitted out 
in the best manner possible for the reception of injured 
persons. The camp at large is in splendid condition, 
hardly a man out of 1,000 being unfit for duty= It is 
thought the troops will move in a couple of days or so, 
as soon as General Miles arrives at Rapid City and gets 
the situation thoroughly in hand. 

As I write this dispatch one of Taylor's scouts has just 
come in from White River and reports that he heard firing 
of cannon over to the north early this morning from 
where he was. He at once rode to this point to report the 
occurrence to his captain. Every one is disappointed that 
troops did not leave yesterday. They had orders to 
march to the head of Bad Creek, some distance in the 
Bad Lands. As said before, the force at this place will 
probably constitute the troops used for fighting and the 
troops on the north will be used to prevent any escape 

^>-^ 123 >^.^ 



of the Indians to the north and west. This is presumed, 
for all the troops in that direction are stationed about the 
country by companies at the various points, while a 
force of 800 men will march together from this place. 
Something definite may be known by to-morrow. 

W. F. K. 




Cheyenne dress 



<i_:=^ 124}^^^.^ 



They Fear an Attack 
Ridge Residents Nervous 

Accidental Discharge of a Gun Sets Camp Wild 
And Troops Prepare for Action 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec, 
20, 1890 — [Special] — An incident rather ludicrous was 
seen by your correspondent this morning on his morning 
walk to the agent's office, an Indian policeman, gun in 
hand, marching eleven soldiers in single file down the 
walk to the guard house. It seems they had broken a rule 
by climbing through a wire fence in going for water and 
a policeman near by at once ordered them to halt, with 
cocked gun in hand, then marched them to the station. 
The fellows looked exceedingly sheepish at thus being 
ordered about by an Indian, but dared not resist, as it is 
well known that an Indian will carry out to the extreme 
any order he has received. He would not hesitate a mo- 
ment to shoot if a man under arrest gave a slight token 
of disinclination. This incident was quite laughable to an 
observer. With the air of an Irish metropolitan police- 
man he did his duty and it is safe to say in the future 
these soldiers will keep in the road. 

<i_^ 125 >^^=^.^ 



The Omaha Bee man, out prowHng for news the other 
evening, was gathered in a similar manner. His escapade 
formed the butt of many a joke by his brother scribes, 
who affected to see in it a punishment for his past sins 
in some of his reports to his paper. 

Last night a gun was fired off about ii o'clock near 
the camp and at once there was the greatest excitment. 
People came rushing forth from the houses and the sol- 
diers appeared with guns in hand from their tents, all 
expecting, from recent rumors, an attack upon the camp. 
Men rushed here and there at this unusual occurrence. 
In an hour the innocent cause was traced down and it 
was found that a poor ragged Indian picket named 
Walking Post had accidently fired off his gun. The poor 
feUow was about as much frightened at what he had 
done as those who had supposed their time had come an 
hour before. This fright may be easily accounted for. 
People here for some time have been wrought up to the 
highest notch, a sort of a nervous strain, an indefinable 
feeling that something not agreeable may happen, so 
numerous have been the reports about this place as to 
our Indian attack. 

Fires are still raging to the west day and night. At 
night, looking westward, the scene is a brilliant one, the 
heavens lit up with a dull red color, clouds of smoke 
slowly rising, swaying to and fro in the night wind. This 
has been going on for some days, but it is not thought 
the fire will come in this direction. So long as it keeps 
in the surrounding hills no danger can come to the 
agency and property. 



Lieutenant Benham of the Second Infantry has re- 
cently been placed in charge of the two companies of 
Indian police for drilling purposes. They drill one hour 
each morning on foot and one hour in the afternon on 
horseback. Lieutenant Benham has had considerable ex- 
perience in work of the kind, having had charge of the 
scouts in the Nez Perces campaign. The manner and ra- 
pidity with which they grasp the movement and its pur- 
poses, does credit to the Indians, as well as to the 
lieutenant. Work of this kind is usually liked by the In- 
dian. He possesses a certain fondness, with all his ob- 
stinacy, to do as white men do. Ever since the troops 
arrived they have watched with the utmost closeness 
the morning drill of the troops, commenting or signify- 
ing their approval at each maneuver. 

Forty-six Cheyennes of Lieutenant Taylor's command 
of scouts formed two weeks ago yesterday and received 
orders to go to Rapid City. They will be put in the field 
from that place. The remainder of the company, com- 
posed of Sioux, will remain here. The Cheyennes are 
intended to be operated against their own tribe, which 
is stationed near the Cheyenne River, and are in open 
sympathy with the hostiles. 

An order was sent by General Miles to General 
Brooke this morning to move the troops at once, but that 
gentleman, with his usual facility for delaying, re- 
ponded saying he wished to send out another peace 
party, asking them to please come in to Pine Ridge. 
Bright and early he set to work to get as many Indians 
together as he could to go. It is unknown at this hour 
how many he can get, but it is thought the party will set 



out to-day. Brooke wants four or five hundred men to 
go, but it is doubtful if more than one hundred will ac- 
tually set out. When he sought to send out 300 two 
weeks ago by persistent labor and teasing he finally got 
together forty-six and what did they do? They went out 
there, had a good friendly visit when they did not at- 
tempt to talk about peace, plenty to eat and brought 
home under their saddle all as much beef as they could 
hide and carry well. This is what they did and this in all 
probability is what they will do again. A month ago yes- 
terday, the troops were all here. Never a soldier has been 
five miles from camp. The Indians today are in every 
way more hostile, more insolent, than they were then, 
their depredations daily increasing, while it is well known 
that it has got to be such an old story that the newspaper 
men now rarely mention them. All this and yet not one 
move has been made to stop them or punish them, with 
ample means on all sides to do so. General Brooke is 
naturally a man who hesitates to act. With no previous 
experience in the field against Indians, he seems always 
undecided. From inside sources it begins to look as if this 
whole campaign was more a political jugglery than the 
skill of mihtary science. However it would hardly do to 
print all that is known here by newspaper men. It would 
not be politic. 

W. F. K. 



^L-^128>^^^ 



Hum Drum Camp Life 
Becomes Wearisome 

Impression Growing that Brooke 
Carries His Peace Methods Too Far 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., Dec. 20, 1890 — [Special Cor- 
respondence] — Pine Ridge was honored yesterday by 
the appearance of the Chadron Board of Trade. Fourteen 
gentlemen of that body were desirous of seeing the situa- 
tion at Pine Ridge, spending the day in looking over the 
camps, agency buildings, and talking with the officials. 
They presented to General Brooke and Agents Royer and 
Cooper a petition asking that Chadron should be made 
the base of supplies, rather than Rushville. They claimed 
they were able to furnish goods on contract cheaper 
than at Rushville; that they had greater side track facili- 
ties for the handhng of freight; that they could sell arti- 
cles much cheaper to the Indians in the future than the 
same could be purchased at Rushville, if the line of trade 
could be directed that way. It is not thought any change 
is probable, as present arrangements are very satisfac- 
tory so far at least as the army is concerned. The gentle- 



men returned to Chadron this morning, having passed 
the night, I beheve, in a very unsatisfactory manner, 
owing to the hmited accommodations available here. 

Mr. Finley, a post trader, has been kind enough to 
give all the newspaper men here his house for their 
headquarters. Aside from this place there is no house 
that can be had for love or money in which visitors can 
pass the night. They may endure the days by purchas- 
ing hard tack and cheese at the stores. 

For a week or so, each day has seen many visitors com- 
ing here for the day. Dr. Royer issued an order yester- 
day morning instructing his Indian police to arrest 
every white person here not possessing a pass. In conse- 
quence his small police station was soon crowded with 
persons who, unless they could show they had business 
here, were ordered to leave at once, not to return. The 
Indian is the greatest policeman I have ever seen. The 
manner in which they gathered in the people yesterday 
was a most comical scene. As soon as a wagon was 
seen coming over a hill a policeman ran toward it and 
at once hauled the unfortunate farmer to the station, 
where he was to take his turn in making his apology for 
coming onto the reservation without permission. Dr. 
Royer issued such an order several weeks ago, but in the 
future he intends to be most strict in enforcing this 
United States law. 

It may not be generally known that there is a regular 
established police court at this place. On each evening 
at about 6:30 o'clock the culprits are brought before the 
agent by his police captain, the affair being conducted 
in much the same manner as our petty courts in cities, 

<i_^ i30>^._j> 



judgment being passed by the agent on the offense. Last 
evening the following incident took place as one of the 
trials on the docket: 

An Indian named "Walk-Under-the-Ground" was 
caught asleep on his post the night before by another 
picket, who left his post to look for the first. Finding him 
asleep he at once arrested him and placed him in the 
guard house over night, an example of vigilance for any 
modern policeman to follow. The striking part of the 
scene was when the poor fellow told his story of how he 
sat down to light his cigarette, then fell asleep, being 
so tired with his day's labor. He thought he was now 
disgraced, and tears came into his eyes as he said it, 
showing a depth of feeling seldom, if ever, to be seen 
in an Indian. He wished to resign his position, so much 
did he feel he had violated his trust, but the doctor 
talked with him gently and it is safe to say the fellow 
went forth a better man. The whole scene was said to 
be by the interpreter one of the most remarkable he has 
ever witnessed among Indians. The hitherto marked fi- 
delity of this fellow, the manner in which he valued his 
reputation, how he had successfully sought all his life 
to keep from the guard house, regarding it as a stain 
upon his name; all this he said, and his now apparent 
disgrace seemed to nearly overcome him. 

Two prominent business men of Chadron arrived here 
this forenoon and at once sought General Brooke. They 
told him of the outrages that were being committed 
north of Chadron, property of all kinds plundered and 
destroyed, settlers frightened, etc., the old story General 
Brooke has been told so long and to which no heed has 

1-^ 131 >^^=^ 



been given. They respectfully requested that a com- 
pany of troops be sent to protect these settlers, but were 
given no assurance that they would be sent. The general, 
with an habitual smile, bade them good day. It is getting 
to be a conundrum here what the United States armv 
is kept for. With 1,500 troops here during the past 
month, such charges as the above being reported every 
day, yet not a troop being permitted or ordered to be 
so stationed as to afford some protection to those who re- 
quire it. He who can answer the "why" to the above 
question is a wiser man than any civilian at Pine Ridge. 
That abominable army jealousy has shown its face in 
high quarters on more than one occasion, but even this 
is far from being the principal reason. It is to be hoped 
this whole campaign will be investigated and ventilated 
at some future day when he who is responsible for this 
worse than shameful condition of affairs will be brought 
forth and shown up as such to the world. There is not a 
newspaper man here but what deprecates emphatically 
the conduct so far, and I may add some of them are west- 
ern men, and have served in similar capacities with 
Miles, Crook, Brisbin, Forsythe and others during the 
past twenty years. 

Yesterday General Brooke again ordered some Indians 
to get ready to go to the Bad Lands. He wishes to send 
from four to five hundred. When all was ready and all 
present who wished to go they numbered exactly ninety- 
six Indians, which was not suflScient in his opinion. He 
then gave orders that all Indians who wished to go 
should draw rations from the store house, then proceed 
to the Catholic mission and remain over night. At this 

<i_^ 132 >^^^^.^ 



hour he has not mustered half the force he yesterday 
emphatically declared he would have. This force of 
about a hundred may set off this afternoon. It is not 
known whether or not they can persuade the hostiles to 
come in. If successful, which is not probable, judging 
from all the peace parties sent out in the past and their 
treatment, the step will be unfortunate in respect to their 
conduct in the future. Their obedience to their agent 
not being shown to be insisted upon, their thus being 
brought in by all sorts of promises is very detrimental. I 
would not say it was necessary to fight them, not at alL 
if it could be avoided, but United States troops should 
be the force employed to bring them, considering the 
circumstances, from first to last in this trouble. This 
course has been insisted upon in vain by the two special 
agents of the Indian department, who have been here. 
Many other prominent names could be given of persons 
here who have insisted upon this course and this course 
only in this emergency. 

Thus, day after day goes by and nothing is accom- 
plished, till one is ready to give up in disgust. The con- 
fidence most prominent now is that General Miles is 
here, or rather at Rapid City. All have an impHcit trust 
in him and what he will promptly do. 

Last night two recruits of the Seventh Cavalry de- 
serted. They have not yet been captured, but are almost 
certain to be, in a day or two, as the Indian police have 
been sent after them, with the promise of $30 before 
their eyes for their capture. 

W. F. K. 

•1.-=^ 133 ><w^ 



still Favors a Fight 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
21, 1890 — [Special] — Stands First, a reliable Indian 
courier, has returned from the Bad Lands and reports 
that hostile camp numbers 500; that they will not listen 
to peace propositions, but want to fight. The party on 
the Cheyenne River continue to skirmish with General 
Carr's troops and threaten to kill all who come. This is 
the most credible information possible to obtain. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux mans vest 



(L.-^ 134)^.^ 



A Fight to the Finish 
Solution of Indian Trouble 

Reports from Bad Lands Indicate 
More Warlike Feeling than Ever 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
22, 1890 — [Special] — Information of the most authen- 
tic character was received here this evening concerning 
the hostiles. The report dashes to the ground all the 
hopes that have so long lain in the bosom of General 
Brooke for a peaceful settlement. Repeatedly have the 
peace parties sent out from here been rejected in the 
most forcible manner by the hostiles and yet the general 
has entertained the thought that they would eventually 
come in. Even this morning 146 Indians set out from the 
Catholic mission, a few miles from here, in pursuance of 
an order by the general on Friday. He exerted all his 
ingenuity to gather a band of 500 Indians, but in vain; 
he could get nothing approaching the number he wished. 
Saturday the process was continued with the same re- 
sults. The above number was finally started, the general 
furnishing them an ample supply of crackers and other 
provisions for the journey. 

<L_^ 135 jy^^^.^i' 



As intimated in a brief dispatch yesterday a most re- 
liable report has arrived here brought by an Indian 
named Stands First. The Indian is one of Buffalo Bill's 
number and was sent out by the general on Thursday 
last to report the condition of affairs. Following is ex- 
actly what he told a body of newspaper men here to- 
day, related in a modest way which admits of no doubt 
as to its veracity, he being closely questioned by the spe- 
cial agent and others. He arrived at the camp Thursday 
evening and at once related his mission. Right here it 
may be said that he and his companions were accorded 
the treatment of all the former peace messengers, viz, 
shamefully abused in every manner known to Indian in- 
genuity. In bitter sarcasm they called him a "white 
man," an insult to an Indian which only in such an ex- 
tremity they would listen to. They would not allow the 
peace makers to argue with any of the band and a viola- 
tion would have cost them their lives. Nevertheless they 
learned that a number desired to come in and abandon 
the hostiles but they could not get away, the war Indians 
being on guard night and day to prevent any parties 
from leaving. They further said they would never come 
to Pine Ridge or any other place while the soldiers were 
near; that if the soldiers wanted them they should come 
and get them, as they were ready to meet them and had 
all the supplies they wished. 

The scout was very positive that they wanted no 
peace, that they will not give up and want to fight. 
Stands First gave it as his opinion that they would not 
permit the general's peace commission of 146 to enter 
their camp. They might allow a few at a time to get in- 

(u..^^ 136 >^^^ 



side of the line, but that was the most that could be 
hoped for. 

It is to be noted that this in accord with all the previ- 
ous reports of scouts for a month past. It is a fact that 
there has never been a report from the hostiles other 
than that they wished to fight. While they have varied 
upon occasions as to minor details upon this point, no 
dissenting opinion has ever been heard from persons that 
have visited their camp. What the peace party will ac- 
complish can only be a surmise. Their number may be 
sufficient to disrupt the hostile party if they can mingle 
with them to a certain extent. On the other hand, judg- 
ing from what has been heard of them in the past as to 
their intentions, it will be an impossibility to draw or 
persuade them to leave. If I were to say what most 
people think around here, the inward convictions of old 
settlers and plainsmen, I would say the latter is the more 
probable solution of the trouble. Many old white men 
who have lived here among the Indians for years are 
firm in saying that this trouble will not be without a war. 
Submission may be made for a time, they say, but a more 
disastrous outbreak will be the result before the spirit is 
permanently quelled. It is certain General Brooke has 
now exhausted his last hope for peace should his peace 
party of 146 return unsuccessful, which will be known 
in a few days. 

W. F. K. 

A Brand New Messiah 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
22, 1890 — [Special] — There is great excitement among 

<i-^ 137 >^^^^ 



the Indians. A white person caHing himself the Messiah 
has appeared among them. He is a man named Hopkins 
and he hails from Iowa. He seems to have created an 
impression before he was noticed going through the 
camp with a long white robe. The police arrested him 
and the agent sent him off the reservation, but he threat- 
ens to return. He is a refined gentleman and scholar but 
a crank on the Indian question. 

W. F. K. 




Woodland cluhs 



CL_^ 138 >^..^ 



Camp Life Diversions 
But Sand Storm Not One 

Pine Ridge Agency Victim of a 
Periodical Visitation Peculiar to Region 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., Dec. 22, 1890 — [Special Cor- 
respondence] — The heretofore pleasant life at Pine 
Ridge was varied yesterday by a terrific sand storm, con- 
tinuing all day. So blinding and disagreeable was it that 
but few ventured outdoors until evening, when the wind 
abated in its vigor and consequently the sand did not 
rise. The country about here is very sandy and a sand 
storm is quite a frequent occurrence at various times of 
the year, but fortunately this has been the first in a 
month, or since the army has been here. 

The camp now presents a novel sight, that is, the in- 
fantry camp. The soldiers, in anticipation of spending 
the winter have banked each tent on all sides with pine 
boughs, firmly interwoven to keep off the force of wind, 
making a capital shelter and wind-break in case of bad 
weather. This pine grows upon ridges running through 
the country in parallel lines usually. It is not large in 

ci_^ 139 )r^.=.^ 



quantity by any means, and already the troops have to 
go a considerable distance to get the wood necessary for 
their fires. The commander, in order to give them plenty 
of exercise in the open air to handle them for the cam- 
paign, has had them cut an enormous pile of wood and 
place it in the agency yard. Daily half of the troops are 
sent out to collect wood, the other half occupying the 
time in drilling and attending to the other camp duties. 
The following day the parties are reversed, thus treating 
all the same. 

One daily pleasure in camp life is the music of the 
buglers of the Seventh Cavalry. There is no regimental 
here with the troops. A person ordinarily would not call 
the bugle a very musical instrument, with no keys to 
sound different intonations, but to hear the Seventh 
buglers, the dullest musical ear would recognize there 
was "music in the air." On Sunday evening, upon invita- 
tion of some officers, a few newspaper men were invited 
down to the Seventh's camp to hear some music at the 
daily inspection at 4 o'clock. Two men are selected from 
each troop to act as buglers under the command of Chief 
Bugler Hardy, who is a veteran in this branch of the 
service. Under his direction these sixteen men did ad- 
mirably. For nearly an hour did they discourse sweet 
music from the shrill bugle while the inspection was tak- 
ing place. However, to enjoy the best effect of the music 
on a still evening, climb one of the surrounding hills, one, 
two or three miles away. Then one is deeply impressed 
with the scene below hini. The soft tones of the bugle, 
at this distance, increases the effectiveness of the whole 
scene greatly. 



During the past two days Pine Ridge has sought to 
imitate the ways of more civiHzed communities some- 
what. On Saturday Agent Royer spent the afternoon in 
hearing testimony in a divorce case brought before him. 
The agent makes a very good judicial officer as a whole 
and he accomphshes the end without the delay, at least, 
incident to courts of law in Nebraska. Although he does 
not hold strictly to the law, in a legal sense, in forbid- 
ding "leading questions" asked, and although he is some- 
times doubtful as to what is "incompetent, irrelevant and 
immaterial," yet I think he reaches the goal with admir- 
able ease in most cases before him. He certainly im- 
presses one favorably in these delicate duties he is called 
upon to perform through his position as agent. 

Then again on Sunday evening we were permitted to 
witness a wedding in high life at Pine Ridge. The bride, 
a comely young woman, the groom not an unpleasant 
featured Indian youth, feeling the dignity of his position 
somewhat, marched down the aisle of the small Episco- 
pal chapel, arm in arm, and were made one, etc., at the 
altar by the Rev. Cook, the pastor, according to the ritual 
of this church. The parties endured the ordeal well, their 
responses being made lowly, but firmly, in the Indian 
tongue. After the ceremony congratulations of course 
were in order and a brief reception was given the wed- 
ded pair by friends present and the happy little event in 
their lives was of the past. 

Such pleasant little occurrences as these divert our 
minds for the moment from savage Indians and red- 
handed war, so we are correspondingly thankful for the 
same and trust they may be more frequent in the future. 

«L_^ 141 Jy^^^j' 



The dread that the death of Sitting Bull would have a 
bad influence for peace here has now passed away. His 
death has not changed the existing condition one iota, 
neither will it do so. He was without influence and re- 
spected by but few^ Indians among the whole Sioux na- 
tion. 

Lieutenant Taylor has begun to get new recruits for 
his Indian scout company. All the Cheyennes of his com- 
mand being set to General Carr, he will now fill his 
company with Sioux scouts only. The strength of the full 
company will be about one hundred men. 

A former somewhat noted Indian arrived here Friday, 
Crow Dog, by name. He perhaps was never as well 
known as the man he killed. Spotted Tail. Ten years ago 
Spotted Tail and old Red Cloud were the great Indian 
leaders of the Sioux, both natural leaders of men, but in 
a quarrel one day Crow Dog and Spotted Tail resorted 
to the knife as the mode of settlement, and soon Mr. 
Spotted Tail rose above the things of this earth in spirit, 
his journey being hastened by the knife of Mr. Crow 
Dog being thrust through his heart. Crow Dog was sen- 
tenced to be hanged, but finally evaded this punishment, 
was set free, and to-day is a fairly respected Indian, as 
the term goes as applied to Indian respectability. 

Rev. Cook is making arrangements to give all his In- 
dian children a merry Christmas. He will have two large 
Christmas trees full of little things to gladden the heart 
of his charges. Mr. Cook is doing a splendid work here 
among these people. Most of the prominent Indians are 
members of his church, regular attendants, and a large 
number communicants. His services are always well at- 



tended, in fact, too well for the limited chapel he has. 
The Indians not only attend, but take a real active part 
in the service and all that pertains to the church work. 
Mr. Cook is an Indian gentleman himself, an accom- 
plished scholar, but better than all, he possesses the 
knowledge and tact necessary to interest these people in 
the work of his life. 

W. F. K. 




Pawnee clnh and Crow parfeche bag 



'L^^ I43>^^^^j^ 



Spurn Their Proffer 
Hostiles Aggressive as Ever 

Rifle Pits Scattered About the Camp 

And Other Warlike Preparations Going On 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb), Dec. 24, 
1890 — [Special] — To-day a supply of beef is being 
issued by the agent to the Indians for their Christmas 
dinner. Many good movements are going on here to 
make those who have been friendly to the whites from 
the first remember with pleasure the Christmas of 1890. 
The children will all be well taken care of at the differ- 
ent missions. Interesting exercises during the day of a 
happy nature will be given for their benefit by some of 
the kind hearted gentlemen interested in their welfare. 
Christmas trees, candy and other things appreciated by 
all children will be had in abundance. OflBcers, also, have 
not forgotten their men. Each company's officers have 
bought all the delicacies obtainable that the poor private 
may spend a happy hour over a good dinner on the mor- 
row. It will be quite refreshing from their daily diet of 
hard tack, tough beef and soup unmentionable. Last 

<L-^ 144 >^^_J^ 



and best the proprietor of the Hotel De Finley has prom- 
ised his guests, the newspaper men, a repast that has 
never been equalled west of the Missouri River. The first 
event of the day will be the shooting of four sorry-look- 
ing turkeys that have been grazing upon the hills during 
the summer, the turkeys to be placed twenty-five feet 
distant, 5 cents a shot and $1 to the man that hits the 
turkey, Winchesters to be the weapons of war. It is feared 
no turkeys will be had for dinner if some other mode of 
killing is not resorted to. 

At midnight last night the shouting of the Indian po- 
lice attracted a large crowd to a cabin near the agency, 
where a mixed dance was in progress. A colored trooper, 
offended at the conduct of an Indian belle, became quar- 
relsome, drew his gun and bloodshed was narrowly 
averted. Upon the arrival of the police the fellow was 
quickly hustled away and the dance broken up. Such 
incidents as these have been most carefully guarded 
against by the general as the starting of a possible war. 
Orders were long ago given that under no circumstances 
was a firearm to be discharged near the agency. So nerv- 
ous have been the people that such an act, it was feared, 
might further peril the critical situation, especially if any 
Indian was hurt. 

Turning Hawk, a man who left with the peace party 
Sunday morning, returned yesterday at noon. He left the 
party at White River, pushed on to the hostile camp, saw 
what he could and at once returned to General Brooke. 
He reported rifle pits all about the camp. Outside of 
these a trench has been dug out as a fortification. It was 

<i_^ 145 >^;.=^ 



his opinion that the party following would not be al- 
lowed in the camp at all. 

At sunrise this morning a son of American Horse sent 
by courier a letter to the agent stating that the party had 
arrived at the camp and after much parley were per- 
mited to advance as far, as the rifle pits, where they were 
halted, the Indians running out, shouting: "You are not 
worthy of our bullets" and shooting oJBF their weapons at 
the side of their heads, such and other demonstrations 
continuing for some time. The courier set out on his re- 
turn and thought but few would be admitted. He bore 
another letter to Frank Girard, chief of the scouts, which 
confirms these proceedings. What the outcome would be 
was not stated. It is thought here that the force will be 
large enough to allow the Indians to return with them 
who are now kept in the hostile camp against their will 
and wishes. It is considered doubtful if the others can 
be persuaded by persons here outside of the official 
headquarters. The latter are very positive the hostiles 
will be overcome and all will end peacefully. Further 
dispatches are anxiously looked for. They will be of defi- 
nite character and it is thought will be an index of what 
is to come, peace or war. Negotiations are now under 
way at Washington as to what to do with the hostiles. 
Steps of a radical and surprising nature are in view, it is 
known. 

Agent Cooper will soon begin his work of making an 
itemized account of all the property lost and destroyed 
in this trouble. He will have assistance, and Mr. Cooper 
estimates it will take all winter to accomplish the task. 
It is getting cold and a blizzard may be expected any 

*i_^ 146 >^^^.^ 



day. The suflFering among the poor camped about here 
will be dreadful when it comes. They are kept in here by 
the order of the general from going to their homes, are 
without wood or much food, and only the shelter of their 
poor tepees for protection on the open plain against the 
cold blasts. Their condition is indeed pitiful. Many In- 
dian children have been dying lately from exposure. The 
Indian doctor reports the fatalities fast increasing in 
number. This is wrong, these Indians being thus pun- 
ished and, made to suffer because the hostiles do not 
come in, the latter living in comfort and plenty. A great 
deal is now heard and discussed regarding the impend- 
ing investigation ordered by the senate as to the cause of 
trouble and conduct of this campaign. It is realized here 
that some surprising things will be made known when 
the committee meets. 

W. F. K. 




Trade tomahawk 



^L^^ 147 >^^^ 



Troops Move at Last 

Ninth Cavalry from Pine Ridge 
Starts for the Bad Lands 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (Via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
24, 1890 — [Special] — The long looked for day at Pine 
Ridge has at last come. To-day at 2 o'clock the Ninth 
Cavalry, Colonel Henry in command, moved out toward 
the Bad Lands. General Brooke to-day at noon received 
a telegram from General Miles that the Indians, one 
hundred and fifty strong, had broken away from Colonel 
Sumner's command and were making for the Bad Lands. 
These are the Standing Rock Indians that broke away 
from that agency on the death of Sitting Bull. They sub- 
sequently surrendered to Colonel Sumner of the Sixth 
Cavalry at a place called Smith ville. Colonel Sumner was 
ordered to take these Indians to Pierre and was on his 
way hither when those under Big Foot broke away and 
are making, as stated, for the Bad Lands. It is unknown 
how far they had progressed on their journey of 200 
miles to Pierre when they escaped, but it is altogether 
improbable that they will be overtaken by the Ninth 

ci_^ 148 >^^=^ 



Cavalry. They have too much start, as near as it can be 
figured. 

Colonel Henry received orders to march forty miles 
before morning. The command will push through as fast 
as horse and man can endure it. Those acquainted with 
Colonel Henry know what that signifies, for he is known 
as a tireless man on the march and a hurricane in the 
fight. The command consists of four troops, 219 men and 
nine oflBcers — D, F, I and K being the companies. The 
mounted howitzer and three Hotchkiss guns strapped 
to the backs of mules accompanied them. 

As the command moved oflF, headed by twenty of 
Captain Taylor's Indian scouts, a shout from 1,000 
throats shook the air, while the gallant colored boys 
moved by, bidding farewell to their soldier friends. As 
they approached the newspaper headquarters they were 
given a royal welcome for Colonel Henry and the ofii- 
cers of the Ninth are great favorites with the boys. A 
smile of satisfaction was upon the grim countenance of 
Colonel Henry as he rode along, and many were the pre- 
dictions made that if he found the Indians they could 
expect no leniency at his hands, for his opinion of what 
has transpired the past month is well known. Besides, 
he has good cause to remember the Sioux Indians, bear- 
ing as he does painful life wounds. Should the Indians 
get into the Bad Lands this will doubtless open at once 
the war which has been so long delayed and events are 
likely to occur rapidly. As soon as it known by the hos- 
tiles in the Bad Lands that troops are on the move peace 
negotiations will be broken up and it is considered more 
than probable that the friendly Indians will experience 

<L_^ 149 >^^^ 



much diflBculty in getting away. As soon as the troops 
had moved out Indians to the number of at least lOO 
were seen for an hour dashing over the hill north, in all 
probability carrying the news to the enemy. 

One company guards the wagon train, consisting of 
about thirty wagons, which left an hour afterward. A 
troop of some fifty pack mules followed the troops. They 
will not be able to keep up with the troops, but are 
ordered to be pushed as hard as possible to the front. 
The troops carry five day's provisions with them. No 
correspondents left with this command, as it is expected 
the Seventh Cavalry will leave in a day or two for an 
attack or round up in the Bad Lands. 



W. F. K. 




Sioux baby cradle 



<i_^l50>^^.^ 



Hopkins, The Messiah 
Little Stock Taken in Him 

Reticent Concerning the Past, bat Firm in the 
Belief That He is the Son of God 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., Dec. 23, 1890 — [Special 
Correspondence] — The monotony that has prevailed 
at Pine Ridge for sometime was rudely disturbed Mon- 
day by an unlooked for occurrence. An individual sud- 
denly made his appearance, from whence no one knew, 
and furnished an entertainment to whites and Indians 
as striking as it was unexpected. He claimed to be noth- 
ing more or less than the Messiah, long awaited by the 
Indians. The gentleman gave his name as A. C. Hopkins 
and said that his former home was at Nassua, la. How 
long since he had left that place he would not say. He 
arrived here, it is thought, some time on Sunday, just 
what hour is not known. Certain it is he proceeded at 
once to the joint camp of old Red Cloud and Two Strike, 
a mile north of the agency. He remained at this place 
all night, seeking to convince the above named chiefs 
that he was the Messiah. It is thought from what he 

<i_^ 151 l/^^^j* 



said of his attempt that he was far from being successful 
with these two men. In fact, old Red Cloud, looking him 
steadily in the eye, flatly told him that he did not think 
he was the son of God. It soon, of course, was noised 
through the entire band of warriors, he thereafter walk- 
ing slowly and majestically to and fro in the moonlight 
about the Indian village. Clothed in a white robe, it may 
be imagined he presented a peculiar figure among these 
superstitious people in the dead of night. It was the next 
morning before it became known that such a person was 
in the vicinity, the Indian police discovering him and 
bringing him in at once to the agent. He was questioned 
and his character and views made known, the agent in- 
forming him in a gentle manner that he would have to 
leave the reservation at noon on the Chadron mail 
wagon. The fellow was rudely jeered and hooted at as 
his vehicle was leaving the agency, but he comported 
himself with dignity through this ordeal, never deigning 
to look or retorting to the demonstrations of the howl- 
ing mob of soldiers and others. 

The man's whole demeanor while here indicated the 
refined gentleman in every respect. In conversation he 
expressed himself in an easy, well defined style. Not 
seeking ostentation, he was modest in all allusions to 
himself, saying simply and quietly that he was the Mes- 
siah. I watched him closely while being questioned, es- 
pecially his eyes and facial expression. Not a known sign 
of insanity was visible in his conduct or behavior. Well 
dressed, far better than those about him, not one person 
in a thousand but what would have taken him for an 
accomplished divine upon sight. No danger is feared of 

<i_^ 152 >^=^ 



the Indians who saw him, they following him in crowds, 
significantly touching their finger to their foreheads in 
token of weakness. It is well known an Indian always 
treats a demented person with respect and sometimes 
even homage. So did they with Mr. Hopkins. Their 
countenances, one and all, expressed pity for his condi- 
tion, a lesson in propriety their white brothers might 
well have followed with advantage. The danger, if there 
be any, lies in the report when carried to the Indians 
that have not seen him. He appearing with the new 
moon confirms the tradition, yet he was unable to speak 
a word of the Sioux tongue. When asked as to this he 
replied that he could proceed with his eyes and hands 
sufficiently for them to understand him. He pretended 
to have been appointed by God in a dream to do this 
work, and at once set about to do his task. He informed 
the agent that he would go to General Miles and seek 
his permission to visit the Indians in the Bad Lands, 
and it is thought here that he has proceeded in that di- 
rection. 

This has certainly been an eventful day, all discussing 
the Messiah and his appearance. What will be the next? 
Surely nothing was farther from the minds of all this 
morning. 

The Seventh Infantry has arrived from Pierre, S. D., 
and is posted in detachments all along the Bad River. 
The Sixth and Eighth Cavalries are now almost entirely 
upon the Gheyenne River and its principal branches. Gol- 
onel Garr of the Sixth Gavalry has been given command 
of all these troops by General Miles, and on Saturday 



was given discretionary power to march, acting in con- 
junction with General Brooke. 

The inhabitants of Cheyenne City, situated at the 
mouth of Cherry Creek and Cheyenne River, have fled to 
Fort Bennett for protection. It became no longer safe for 
them to remain at their homes. 

General Miles on Saturday issued an order prohibiting 
the state militia from crossing the Cheyenne River onto 
the Indian reservation. He gave them authority to pro- 
tect the property of their own state, but not to trespass 
upon the government land under any circumstances, 
without his express permission. Colonel Carr reports 
here that the Indians are not less than 1,000 in number. 
Carr is now situated only twenty miles from their camp 
and has better facilities for knowing their number than 
General Brooke at Pine Ridge. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux peace pipe 



<i_=^ 154 )>^:^=.^ 




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Sioux warrior 



The Same Results 

The Peace Party in the 

Bad Lands Accomplishes Nothing 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb. ), Dec. 25, 
1890 — [Special] — As predicted yesterday events are 
now likely to take place swiftly and suddenly. During 
the night parties of Indians, portions of the peace party 
sent out last Sunday, were constantly arriving and re- 
porting to General Brooke the result of their errand to 
the Bad Lands. What they reported was somewhat sur- 
prising to all, as it was thought they would certainly be 
accompanied by some of the Indians from the hostile 
camp, but such was not the case. Their efforts toward 
peace were absolutely in vain; the hos tiles would neither 
surrender nor return with the friendlies. The remainder 
of the body will return to this place during the day. Vari- 
ous rumors are circulating as to the disaffection prevail- 
ing among the Indians here at the agency. They are be- 
coming very restless and many are moving northward, 
but with what intention it is not positively known at 
present. The hostile Indians realize fully the position 
they have taken. Appeals availed nothing and they were 

^i^^ 173 ))'^^^ 



listened to with utter indifference. They are determined 
to fight and die rather than surrender, be disarmed and 
receive the punishment for what crimes they have al- 
ready committed. They well realize these steps will be 
taken notwithstanding the endeavors made to conceal 
these facts at the present time. 

Colonel Henry and the Ninth Cavalry will have 
reached a position this morning if they were unable to 
intercept Big Foot's band. It is understood the colonel 
will take a position, establish a temporary camp north- 
east of the Bad Lands and await further orders or until 
a general advance is made by all the troops on all sides. 

W. F. K. 




Plains Indian pouch 

^-^ 174 >^^^^ 



Troops on the Move 
Four Companies 
Leave Pine Ridge 

One Day's Marching on the Trail of the 
Hostiles and the Tale That It Tells 

Camp Upon Wounded Knee, S. D., Dec. 26, 1890 (via 
Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 27, 1890 — [SpecialJ — At 1 o'clock 
to-day four companies of the Seventh Cavalry left Pine 
Ridge Agency, Companies A, I, K and G forming the bat- 
talion, under the command of Major Whitside, an old 
and experienced officer of the Seventh Regiment. After a 
march of eighteen miles in four hours the command came 
to the night camp upon Wounded Knee Creek. The 
battalion had orders to march to the mouth of Wounded 
Knee and White River, but several Indians being encoun- 
tered at this point it was deemed best to camp and send 
scouts to overtake the hostiles and gain information if 
possible. 

The troops moved farther north early in the morning 
to assist the Ninth Cavalry in rounding up the band of 
Standing Rock Indians that escaped from Colonel Sum- 



ner a few days since, east of Smith ville. It will be remem- 
bered that these Indians are the ones that broke away at 
the death of Sitting Bull and have since been roving over 
the country, destroying property, killing stock and work- 
ing their way toward the Bad Lands. 

En route to this point much was seen by the column 
of the depredations that were committed some days ago 
before their entry into the Bad Lands. At this point is 
kept a small store by one Louis Masseau. They raided 
his store, rifled his small stock of goods and maliciously 
destroyed every article in his home. Mr. Masseau esti- 
mate his loss at $800. It was a total destruction of every- 
thing he possessed. This is but one of many instances 
passed in a short half day's ride. 

The troops left Pine Ridge in a terrific sand storm, so 
dense that it was impossible to see but a few feet ahead. 
Men and horses were in about the most disagreeable po- 
sition that could be imagined. It is now very cold and a 
Storm is expected, which will cause much suffering to 
both animals and men out in the open plain, without tent 
or cover in an unprotected region. 

W. F. K. 




Woodland cluh 



<^-^i76>^^.^ 



Peace Soon to Reign 

Indian Trouble Nearly Ended 

Big Foot Submits and He and His Brethren 
Wend Their Way Toward the Agency 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb. ), Dec. 28, 
1890 — [Special] — It now seems that the Indian scare 
and trouble for this year is over. Kicking Bear and his 
band, which have so long defied the government, have 
finally yielded. They are reported to be on their way to 
this place, with troops about them and the Seventh Ca- 
valry taking a position on Wounded Knee, to complete 
the surrounding circle of troops. The hostiles have reluc- 
tantly heeded the voice of their friends. That they have 
made a long and stubborn resistance is well known, but 
they were obliged to succumb to the inevitable or be 
killed. The movement of the Seventh Cavalry in pursuit 
of Big Foot and his band, failing to find them to take 
their military station in the complement of troops about 
the Bad Lands was the final long delayed movement. 
Last evening at 8 o'clock Major Whitside of the Seventh 
Cavalry had been unable to obtain the slightest knowl- 



edge of the location of Big Foot. Scouting parties were 
sent far to the east and west, from his position on 
Wounded Knee Creek, while to the north more than 
twenty Indian scouts were sent in small parties to the 
White River and beyond, but failing to find any traces of 
those they sought. It is the major's opinion that these 
Indians discovering the futility of their plans some days 
since of breaking through the country between Porcu- 
pine and Wounded Knee Creeks, have broken up into 
small bands and are seeking secretly to return to the 
Cheyenne Agency on the north, or the Rosebud Agency 
on the east, more probably the former. This supposition 
is most plausible, and in case of its truth, the Indian 
bloodless war is over. 

Not a white person, so far as known, has been killed 
and less than half a dozen Indians have found their eter- 
nal rest. For so little shedding of blood it has very eflFec- 
tually frightened the half of three states; has caused the 
United States Government much alarm and the massing 
together of 5,000 of the United States Army. 

Rumors have been sometimes of peace, more often 
declarations of a warlike character. Excitement has 
ebbed and flowed as constant as the ocean waves them- 
velves. As a whole it has been a most remarkable cam- 
paign in many respects. I have heard a dozen ofiicers of 
twenty to thirty years' experience in the army say that 
never had there been such a one before to their knowl- 
edge. Politics has had a greater or less influence with 
jealousy unbounded between the two departments of 
our government, the high ofiicials and those in the field, 
and will, it be believed, even among the various Indian 

^i_^ 178 >^=^=^ 



chieftains, so well do they imitate their white instructors. 
In fact, to the latter cause may be ascribed the peaceful 
ending of the trouble. 

While the hostiles are not yet at the agency there is 
good reason to hope that in the course of a week they 
will be. Scouts report that they are on the way, but an 
Indian moves slowly on an unwilling tour. The first pun- 
ishment to be meted out will be disarmament when they 
have arrived at the agency, on the south of their present 
position. Colonel Henry, with the Ninth Cavalry, will 
close up from the north and northwest and Major Whit- 
side, with his battalion of the Seventh Cavalry, will close 
in simultaneously with Henry from the northeast. Then 
Mr. Indian will be completely in the power of the troops 
without a hope of escape. What further steps will be 
taken by the War Department as a punishment is not now 
known to the officials here, who are mysteriously un- 
communicative. It is safe to surmise from official expres- 
sions heard, that the lesson decided upon will be com- 
mensurate with the wrongs committed, the expense and 
anxiety concerned and a lesson the Sioux tribe will not 
be likely to forget for some years to come. 

W. F. K. 

Made No Resistance 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 28, 
1890 — [Special] — Major Whitside reports to General 
Brooke that this afternoon his command captured Big 
Foot's band, consisting of 20 bucks, and 250 women and 
children. The cavalry took them by surprise near Porcu- 

^_^ 179 >^.^ 



pine Creek. No resistance was made. The Second Bat- 
talion of the Seventh Cavahy left here at 5 o'clock to assist 
in bringing them here. The whole trouble is now prac- 
tically ended. 

W. F. K. 




Apache cradle 



180 



Full Fifty Slain 

Big Foots Braves Turn on Their Captors 
And Fight With Savage Fury 

Camp on Wounded Knee Creek (via Rushville), Dec. 
29, 1890 — [Special] — Sunday morning the sun shone 
forth bright and clear upon the camp of the Seventh 
Cavalry on Wounded Knee Creek. Nothing was there to 
indicate to troops or commander the important develop- 
ment awaiting them later in the day. The First Battalion 
of the Seventh Cavalry arrived here on Friday night and 
established a camp, from which scouting parties were 
sent exploring the country surrounding in hopes of find- 
ing the band of Big Foot, which had broken away from 
the Cheyenne Agency and more recently escaped from 
the command of Colonel Sumner Friday night. All day 
Saturday and Saturday night fifty Indian scouts were 
out, but were unable to locate them or hear any tidings 
of them. The commander had well nigh despaired of 
success, when this morning he again dispatched the 
scouts. Little Bat, Yankton Charley and three others, on a 
final search. Their success was beyond the most sanguine 



anticipations, for at half after eleven one plucky little 
half breed was seen galloping furiously over the slope of 
a hill two miles away. 

THE ENEMY LOCATED 

The oflBcers gathered together in groups and eagerly 
watched him through their field glasses from a small 
knoll as over swell and hollow he came. A feeHng that 
something was to occur took possession of all from the 
scout's actions. News of an exciting nature was to be ex- 
pected. He made his report to Major Whitside, com- 
manding, in the presence of a group of oflBcers, that Big 
Foot's band were but eight miles away to the east, near 
Porcupine Creek; that they were marching, and had been 
during the night, rapidly across the country, evidently 
unaware of the troops on Wounded Knee. 

Not a moment was wasted the bugle sounded the call 
of "boots and saddles" and in exactly eleven minutes, 
with a light pack train following. Companies A, B, I and 
K, Captains Moylan, Varnum, Nowlan and Wallace, left 
camp on a hard gallop. The troops formed in double 
columns of four and rapidly sped over the space between 
them and the foe. A mile distant from the Indians they 
halted beneath the crest of a high hill. At this place the 
two light Hotchkiss guns, under command of Lieutenant 
Hawthorne, were ordered forward and placed between 
the two front troops at the head of the column — guns 
loaded with their terrible death-dealing shells, ready to 
fire. 

PREPARED FOR ACTION 

The command was also ordered to dismount and 
throw out into single rank, forming a half circle, directed 



toward the hos tiles. The troops then proceeded slowly 
forward on foot, horses behind them, over the brow of 
the hill and up to the crest of another, awaiting the 
nearer approach of the Indians now five hundred yards 
away, slowly coming on, unaware of the troops. 

When half the distance had been covered Major 
Whitside, wishing to avoid bloodshed if possible, sent 
forward Little Bat and two others, requesting the In- 
dians to surrender at once and not to fire a gun or take 
the consequences. This news, from appearances, pro- 
duced great consternation in their midst from the howl- 
ing and wailing heard. Almost sooner than it takes to re- 
late they formed into line opposite the fine of troops, gun 
in hand each man protected by his horse. It was folly to 
run, encumbered as they were with women and children, 
so they slowly came forward within fifty or sixty yards, 
the troops in the meantime being half hidden from view 
waiting orders impatiently. At this point three Indians 
came forward, two mounted, one on foot between them, 
bearing what may be called a white flag. Major Whit- 
side at once arose and went toward them, declining to 
treat with them. He demanded the chieftains. Big Foot 
and Spotted Eagle. 

BIG FOOT SURRENDERS 

They explained that he was sick, but the major insisted 
that he come forward in person. The chief was found to 
be really very sick, but was carried forward on a litter, 
when a demand was made that he surrender himself and 
band as prisoners of war, which, after some attempted 
parleying, he did. 

183 



The Indians in line while the talk was progressing 
sought to flank the troops and to gather in squads about 
the two Hotchkiss guns, but the major sternly ordered 
them back, or they would be fired upon by the troopers. 
The band of women, children, etc., were scattered back 
a quarter of a mile. These were rapidly collected by the 
troops and the march to the camp on Wounded Knee 
began. Big Foot being placed in the ambulance wagon. 
Not a doubt is expressed but that the Indians would have 
fought had they possessed half a chance. The surprise, 
the troops perfecting in military movements, the major 
permitting no delay, all speak more forcibly than words 
of the credit due to Major S. M. Whitside in thus con- 
quering by strategy and promptness what would other- 
wise have cost many lives before the surrender was ac- 
complished. 

Another laurel is added to the wreath of the famous 
old Seventh Regiment of cavalry; every man among them 
a veteran; scarce one that has not distinguished himself 
by some signal act of valor, some deed of daring in the 
Indian campaigns of the last twenty years, nearly, if not 
all of them, having been a participant. Custer's men they 
were once and like him will they ever be. 

HOSTILES BROUGHT TO CAMP 

The march to camp was quickly made and in the fol- 
lowing order: two troops in advance, ambulance, In- 
dians and property and two troops in the rear, the whole 
thing being over and the troops back to camp in four 
hours. 

cu.-^ 184 >^^^.=^ 



It was Major Whitside's intention to at once disarm 
them upon surrender, but rather than precipitate a con- 
flict or take such a chance, he decided to wait and sent 
to Pine Ridge for the Second Battahon which arrived 
here at 8 o'clock in the evening. Colonel Forsythe in 
command. The two battalions number 500 men and it is 
now understood they will be disarmed at reveille in the 
morning, when an interesting scene may be expected. 
The Indians were brought into camp and at once sur- 
rounded by two troops of cavalry, forming a military 
cordon which remained stationed all night. 

SUNDAY night's PROSPECTS 

Major Whitside does not intend that they shall es- 
cape from the Seventh as they did from Sumner and has 
placed Lieutenant Taylor's forty Indian scouts on all 
sides about the tepees, in addition to the two Hotchkiss 
guns hardly fifty yards distant on a slight knoll, are 
loaded and trained upon their camp. All the artillery men 
are to remain upon duty at the guns all night. Every pos- 
sible precaution has been made to insure safety and pre- 
vent another breakaway from the military. The troops 
were ordered not to remove any clothing and have a 
double guard in each tent. 

Three hundred soldier's rations were distributed among 
the captives upon their arrival, for they appeared des- 
titute and were poorly clad, the region about here not 
affording much in the way of plunder. From all accounts 
their more fortunate brothers in the Bad Lands are fat 
and hearty, even quite fashionably attired. 



The following is a correct list of the outfit captured: 
one hundred and twenty bucks, all armed with guns and 
with plenty of ammunition; 280 women and children; 
over 300 horses; twenty-two wagons; eighteen travois, 
numerous tepees and the requisite camp necessaries. 

THEm JOY TOO SOON 

Quite naturally the boys and officers feel jubilant over 
their victory and the success of to-day. Every one is 
happy and many are the expressions of good fellowship 
passed around the camp fire this evening. In it is dis- 
played no more enmity to the captured Indian. They see 
the campaign almost ended, when they can return to 
their comfortable winter quarters not relishing the 
thought of remaining to fight, seeing the cold of a win- 
ter's campaign in the Dakotas. Gallant soldiers of the 
south, may you not be subjected to such a cheerless duty. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux brave 



<i-.-=^ 186 >^^^=^ 



A Hand to Hand Conflict 

Brave Captain Wallace 
One of the First Victims 

Wounded Knee Creek, Neb. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
29, 1890 — [Special] — Bright and early were the troops 
up this morning. Little they thought as they ate their 
hard tack, that ere two hours had passed away many of 
their comrades would be dead, the victims of the treach- 
erous Indians. At 8 o'clock they were ordered to be in 
readiness to move. Precisely at that hour the cavalry and 
dismounted troops were massed about the Indian vil- 
lage, the Hotchkiss guns overlooking the camp not fifty 
yards away. Colonel Forsythe ordered all the Indians to 
come forward away from the tents. They came and sat 
in a half circle until counted. The dismounted troops 
were then thrown around them. Company K, Captain 
Wallace, and Company B, Capt. Varnum. The order 
was then given to twenty Indians to go and get their 
guns. Upon returning it was seen that only two guns was 
had. A detachment at once began to search the village, 
resulting in thirty-eight guns being found. 

187 



As this task was about completed the Indians, sur- 
rounded by Companies K and B, began to move. All of a 
sudden they threw their hands to the ground and began 
firing rapidly at the troops, not twenty feet away. The 
troops were at a great disadvantage, fearing the shooting 
of their own comrades. The Indian men, women and 
children then ran to the south, the battery firing rapidly 
as they ran. 

Soon the mounted troops were after them, shooting 
them down on every hand. The engagement lasted fully 
an hour and a half. To the south many took refuge in a 
ravine, from which it was difficult to dislodge them. I 
should estimate the killed and wounded, from what I 
saw on the field and vicinity, at fifty. 

Just now it is impossible to state the exact number of 
dead Indians. There are many more than that number 
killed outright. The soldiers are shooting them down 
wherever found, no quarter given by anyone. 

The field was one of great confusion, horses running 
in every direction and men well-nigh frantic during the 
engagement, owing to the unfortunate way they were 
placed. 

Among the killed is: 

Captain Wallace, K Troop, Seventh Cavalry. 

Lieutenant Garlington, of Artie fame, was shot 
through the arm at the elbow. 

The troops are still firing from the camp and pursuing 
the enemy in every direction. To say that it was a most 
daring feat, 120 Indians attacking 500 cavalry, expresses 
the situation but faintly. It could only have been insanity 
which prompted such a deed. 

188 



Before night I doubt if either a buck or squaw out of 
all Big Foot's band will be left to tell the tale of this 
day's treachery. The members of the Seventh Cavalry 
have once more shown themselves to be heroes in deeds 
of daring. Single handed conflicts were seen all over the 
field. 

The death of Captain Wallace causes much regret. He 
was beloved by all for his gentlemanly qualities and 
manly bearing. The poor fellow met his death by a blow 
on the head from a war club. 

Full particulars cannot be given until to-morrow. 

W. F. K. 




Plains roach headdress 



ci_^ 189 jy^.::^ 



Another Battle Betv\^een 
Indians and the Military 

Further Particulars of Monday's Battle 
With Indians on Wounded Knee Creek 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
30, 1890 — [Special] — The Seventh and Ninth Cavalry 
returned at 4 o'clock from a point one mile beyond the 
Catholic mission and seven miles from this place where 
they had been engaged fighting about four hundred In- 
dians since 10 o'clock this morning. The fighting was 
desperate on the part of the Indians. Choosing a narrow 
pass through the high hills they opened a heavy fire upon 
the advancing troops. The situation was such that the 
troops could not fire to any advantage upon the Indians 
at this time, but after flanking and throwing out lines of 
troops to cover the hills, the Indians began retreating 
from one hill and ravine to another, all the time keeping 
up a rapid fire. This was the manner in which the fight 
proceeded for some hours until the arrival of the cavalry 
at 12:30. The Indians had succeeded in surrounding the 
Seventh Cavalry just before the Ninth reached the hill, 

^_^ i90>^^._j^ 



when the Indians seeing they were fired upon by. both 
regiments gradually retired to the eastward and keeping 
on the high hills and across the gulleys laying between, 
so that it was impossible for the troops to get at them. 
After two hours more firing the troops returned to the 
agency, abandoning the field for the reason above given. 
If they move on northward they are almost certain to 
meet Colonel Carr with one battalion of the Sixth and 
one of the Eighth coming this way. It is thought they 
cannot be more than twenty miles off at this hour and 
certainly they will meet the Indians on the way hither. 
In the hilly position they had to-day chosen it was im- 
possible to do anything with them to any advantage 
without risking the lives of too many men. One colored 
private, name unknown, of Company D Ninth Cavalry, 
was killed, and the following persons of the Seventh 
Cavalry: 

First Sergeant Raynor, K Troop, Private Closson, C 
Troop, Kirkpatrick, private B Troop, R. J. Nolan, private 
I Troop, W. Kern, private D Troop, First Lieutenant 
Mann of K Troop being shot through the hip. K Troop of 
the Seventh Cavalry has lost fully thirty men in to-day 
and yesterday's engagements, not a commissioned officer 
being on duty. First Lieutenant Mann was wounded to- 
day. Captain Wallace killed yesterday, and only three 
days ago Second Lieutenant Squire was ordered to Lea- 
venworth for examination for promotion, thus the com- 
pany is without an officer. It is now thought that Lieu- 
tenant Hawthorne, who was wounded yesterday, will 
die, the doctors looking very dubious and non-committal 
when asked in regard to him. The famous chief Red 

ci_:^ 191 ))^^^^ 



Cloud is out with the hostiles. It is reported that he was 
carried off by force, but that he is gone is a fact, whe- 
ther in this mode or not may be well doubted, knowing 
his life-long enmity to the white man. The particulars of 
the attack upon the wagon train are these: The Ninth 
Cavalry coming in from an all night march to the north, 
left their train a few miles out from here with the escort, 
Lieutenant Bettins having command of the train and 
Captain Land of the escort. When only five miles from 
the agency a body of fifty Indians attacked the train. 
Lieutenant Bettins at once threw the wagons into a circle 
while the small escort succeeded in repulsing the Indians 
until the arrival of the Seventh and Ninth to succor them, 
when the Indians took to flight, and it is not known how 
many were killed. Chas. Haywood, a trooper of Com- 
pany D, and his horse, were killed, with no other loss. In 
the engagement later of the Seventh and Ninth it was 
impossible to ascertain how many Indians were killed, 
but many were seen lying on the hillside, and as to the 
number killed nothing is yet known. Many horses on 
both sides were killed. A man named Elliott is reported 
dying in the hospital this afternoon from the effects of 
his wounds of yesterday. The whole place will be heavily 
guarded to-night as it is thought an attack may be made 
upon the agency. Cavalry and infantry will be thrown 
out in all directions. 

W. F. K. 



<i— ^ 192 )y^^^=^.^j> 



Av(^f ul Suspense at Pine Ridge 
One Night of Terror 

Plans of Hostiles Brought to Camp 
An Attack Momentarily Expected 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
31, 1890 — [Special] — Last night was a night of terror 
at Pine Ridge. Lieutenant Benham, commanding the In- 
dian pohce, received word through his scouts that an 
attack was to be made upon the place about 9 o'clock, 
before the moon came up. It was the intention of the 
hostiles to make a dash, shoot fire arrows and burn all 
they could and then flee back into the darkness where 
it would be impossible to overtake them by any of the 
troops. The inhabitants were simply crazy with excite- 
ment, all the women and children being brought from 
the houses and placed in cellars or inside the guard lines 
of the troops. Troops of cavalry and infantry squads were 
upon all the surrounding hills all night, Taylor's scouts 
being thrown out in all directions for two miles. Fortu- 
nately the attack was not made, although just as the 
moon was coming up a body of one hundred or more 

<i_^ 193 >^^^^ 



Indians were seen on a high hill to the west. After firing 
a few shots they disappeared over the hill and were seen 
no more. 

Pandemonium reigned supreme for two hours. Every 
living thing seemed infected with the excitement about 
this place — women and children wailing, a hundred 
mules braying, horses neighing and dog fights galore. It 
is enough to say that never was such a night before 
passed in Pine Ridge and if a few more were had, it is 
feared the already long list of dead would be increased. 
The wounded list was increased yesterday by eight, 
making a total of forty-one. Francis Shetter, a private of 
G Troop, Seventh Cavalry, was killed out near the mission 
yesterday. His name was not given in yesterday's dis- 
patches. Private Herman Vranburg, Troop A, died last 
night in the field hospital from wounds received in the 
fight at Wounded Knee on Monday. He was shot in the 
side and his left arm torn away. The list now stands 
forty-one wounded and thirty-five dead in the two days' 
fight. Several more of the wounded will die, among them 
being two corporals. All the wounded ofiicers are in a 
very critical state. Hawthorne's wound in the groin has 
not yet been probed. Lieutenant Mann was shot through 
the thigh, shattering the bone all to pieces, but the brave 
fellow keeps up a cheerful spirit in spite of his terrible 
wound. Father Craft is kept at the Catholic church and 
is being tenderly cared for by his fellow priests. It is 
thought the knife penetrated his lung and inflammation 
is feared. 

The fight of Monday was a most desperate one, about 
six hundred being engaged upon both sides and a little 



over two hundred being wounded or killed. The terrible 
character of the wounds and the large number of killed 
is accounted for easily. Most of the troops that did the 
firing when the Indians broke were within twenty-five 
feet of them. It was expected the Indians would run, but 
they stood their ground, never flinching until at least 
fifty of their number lay upon the ground. Their courage 
continues to be the one topic discussed. Not since 1859 
has such an Indian fight been known, fighting when it 
was certain death to do so. This closeness accounts for 
the gaping and awful wounds. These shots had almost 
the effect of a cannon ball. Too much praise cannot be 
given the gallant soldier boys and admiration unbounded 
is expressed toward them by those who saw them Mon- 
day morning and in their fight yesterday at the Cathofic 
mission. Although taken at a serious disadvantage in 
their position they fought gallantly and well, with In- 
dians all about them. 

A party of eighteen bucks and their families were cap- 
tured yesterday by ten Indian scouts and brought here 
at 10 o'clock last night. What disposition will be made 
with them is not yet known. They belong to the band of 
Standing Elk of the Standing Rock Agency. The few 
wounded Indian women and children are quartered at 
the Episcopal mission here. They number thirty-eight in 
all, and are being cared for by General Brooke and given 
good medical attention by the gentlemanly surgeon pres- 
ent. Walking through the soldiers' field hospital, as your 
correspondent does twice a day on his rounds, one wit- 
nesses a spectacle that shakes the stoutest heart, causing 
tears to run down the faces of hardened men as they wit- 

<L-^ 195 >^^^^ 



ness the terrible suffering going on. All are anxious for 
the news. The three correspondents that were present on 
that bloody day are always recognized at once, and in 
mute whispers are asked to tell the whole story over once 
again. One poor fellow, with his chin shot away, unable 
to talk, feebly reached for my pencil and wrote, "what 
about the fight?" When I had finished the whole tale, 
telling him scarcely an Indian buck was left alive, and 
how his comrades had revenged his sufferings, the poor 
fellow, unable to talk, feebly slapped his hands together 
and fell back on his coat, with a peaceful and thankful 
expression on his face. 

Words cannot describe. So it is with all of them, to 
know their suffering is not in vain is greater than any- 
thing else. The hospital is now getting along nicely. 
Things are in good shape for work and attention. 

A man by the name of George Elliott had his leg am- 
putated yesterday. He belonged to K Troop, who had 
more than half of their troop killed and wounded. Sev- 
eral more amputations will be made to-day, including a 
few of the Indian invalids. 

GENERAL MILES COMING 

General Miles will arrive here to-day from Rapid Gity 
and take command. His arrival will be welcomed by all. 
The Seventeenth Infantry and a battalion of cavalry will 
arrive here to-day from Rosebud as a reinforcement at 
this point. The first infantry will march across from Gha- 
dron, getting here to-day or to-morrow. One company 
from this regiment will be left to guard Beaver Grossing. 

A report came in this morning that Little Wound and 

^L^^ 196 >^^^^ 



his band would get here to-day from their peace mission 
to the Bad Lands ten days ago. He is a very influential 
chief and a noted warrior. The report does not come 
from a wholly reliable source. As a whole affairs are in as 
cheerful a condition as could be expected under the cir- 
cumstances. Everything, it is hoped, will move along 
cheerfully, though easily and just what movements will 
take place it is hard to say. 

Colonel Carr will doubtless have a skirmish with the 
Indians to-day, as he is only twenty miles away. 

W. F. K. 

Full Particulars of the Battle 
On Wounded Knee Creek 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Dec. 
31, 1890 — [Special] — Monday after the battle on 
Wounded Knee, Colonel Forsythe ordered all troops and 
wagons to get ready at once preparatory to moving to 
Pine Ridge. The haste was due to the large number of 
wounded, with no facilities for their comfort, also the 
precarious condition of affairs at Pine Ridge agency dur- 
ing the day. 

In giving the hasty estimate Monday of the killed and 
wounded it was found to be considerably under esti- 
mated. One hundred and sixteen Indian bucks were 
found dead upon the field and surrounding hills. In the 
confusion the squaws and children mingled with the men 
and forty or fifty of them were killed. Among the troops 
thirty-three were wounded, three dying last night, and 
twenty-four were killed on the field, including Captain 



Wallace, the only commissioned officer killed. Three or 
four men are missing and cannot be accounted for. 

That it was a bloody fight need not be told. More In- 
dians were killed than in any one Indian fight for the 
past twenty-five years. At the beginning of the battle the 
opponents were not over thirty feet apart and fired for 
some time at this short range before the Indians gradu- 
ally retreated. Both sides fought with the greatest brav- 
ery and determination throughout, but the Indians were 
out-numbered four to one. It cannot be doubted that 
they were practically insane or they never would have 
attacked four times their number massed about them 
with drawn guns in their hands. This band is extermi- 
nated wholly and another lesson has the Indian received 
as the reward of treachery. Big Foot fell, pierced by at 
least twenty bullets. His squaw rushing to his assistance, 
received a similar fate, falling in death across her hus- 
band's body. No quarter was given by either troops or 
Indians, and I believe but two Indian prisoners were 
captured, they both being severely wounded during the 
battle. 

A supposedly friendly Indian turned traitor, rushed 
in among the tents and was instantly shot down. During 
the battle many thrilling fetes were witnessed, the In- 
dians fighting with knives and tomahawks when their 
ammunition gave out. Father Crafts, a Catholic priest, 
was stabbed twice in the breast and once in the back. It 
is believed he will recover if no worse symptoms appear. 
He was connected with the Catholic Bureau of the Indian 
Department at Washington. Lieutenant Garlington had 
his arm shattered at the elbow earlv in the fight and bore 



himself like a hero the remainder of the day. It is unde- 
cided as yet whether he will lose his arm, the bone being 
shattered. Lieutenant Hawthorne of the artillery was 
shot in the groin when the fight was nearly done. He 
would have been instantly killed had not the bullets 
struck and shattered a watch in his vest pocket. As it is, 
he is now in a critical condition. 

The Indians were left upon the field where they fell 
when the troops returned to Pine Ridge. A sorry looking 
field it was, covered with horses, wreckage of every kind 
and half destroyed tepees. Many soldier's tents caught 
fire and the bodies of men were consumed after death. 
All in all it was a ghastly field and a day of blood. There 
was not a soldier but who proved himself a hero, and all 
well deserve the position they have gained for courage 
and valor. 

Yesterday at Pine Ridge confusion reigned supreme, 
painted Indians charging over the high hill half a mile 
to the north and shooting into the agency. During the 
day they succeeded in wounding two of the infantry 
men. Although they kept firing for hours General Brooke 
would not allow his men to return the fire, doubtless yet 
hoping for peace. It is doubtful if the fire would have 
been effective, as the Indians kept concealed while shoot- 
ing over the crest of the hill. 

The return of the Seventh Cavalry at 9 o'clock some- 
what restored order and confidence. Still, few there were 
who sought repose in slumber. Colonel Henry, with his 
Ninth Cavalry, came in early this morning, after having 
marched eighty miles in twenty hours. Leaving his 
wagon train a few miles from here he came on to the 

<i_^ 199 >^.._p 



camp. No sooner had he arrived when word came that 
the Indians had attacked the wagon train and guard only 
three miles out. The Ninth wheeled at once, joined by 
the Seventh, to the rescue. On coming up the Indians 
fled, leaving their wounded. Two colored troopers and a 
teamster were killed in the skirmish. 

Word came in an hour later that the Indians were 
burning the large Catholic mission, six miles from here. 
Two Strike and his band, the famous Little Wound and 
band have now declared for war and left this place with 
all their people. These are the friendlies of whom Gen- 
eral Brook has so often and urgently been warned. These 
are the ones who attacked the wagon train and last eve- 
ning set the prairie on fire in every direction. Huge 
flames rose up to the heavens from the long dry grass in 
the gullies between the hills. It was a weird scene, a 
blaze of light extending for many miles to the north, east 
and west. 

Colonel Forsythe left here with the Seventh Cavalry at 
10 o'clock to pursue these Indians, the Ninth being com- 
pletely exhausted after their long march. It is thought 
that the Indians will make at once for the Bad Lands, 
and being several thousand in number, it may be stated 
that the call of war has surely not opened with greater 
force than it would a month ago. Twice the number of 
Indians are now out that would have been at that time. 

Yesterday morning Captain Mills of the Second In- 
fantry was found dead in his tent. It is supposed he died 
of heart disease during the night. 

Some arrangements are being made to send the body 
of Captain Wallace to his home at Ft. Riley, Kas. The 



captain was struck in the head with a tomahawk as he 
was entering a tepee looking for an Indian he saw enter- 
ing. He leaves a wife and one child. 

The following is a correct list of killed and wounded 
as far as known, obtained from the hospital headquarters 
at this place: 

George D. Wallace, captain Company K. 

Johnson private Company A. 

Frey, private Company A. 

Dyer, first sergeant Company A. 

Kelly, private Company I. 

Cane, private Company I. 

Coffey, first sergeant Company B. 

Cook, private Company B. 

James Murphy, private Company K. 

Kelliner, private Company E. 

Mottles, first sergeant Company E, all of the Seventh 
Cavalry. 

Oscar Pollock, hospital steward U.S.A. 

Hodges, private Company K. 

Bone, corporal Company I. 

Forrest, private Company B. 

Nemtell, private Company B. 

McCuE, private Company K. 

Logan, private Company A. 

CosTELLO, private Company B. 

Ragan, private Company A. 

Christensen, private Company K. 

Raneka, private Company D. 

Defrey, private Company C. 

<l-.^ 201 ))^^^J> 



William Adams, private Company K — twenty-four 
men. 

The wounded are : 

Thomas Hanon, private Company B, Second Infantry. 

Rob Grunner, private Company B, Second Infantry. 

John Coffy, private Hght battery First Artillery. 

Harry S. Clifton, corporal Company K, Seventh Cav- 
alry. 

Jas. Ward, sergeant Company B, Seventh Cavalry. 

William Toohey, sergeant Company B, Seventh Cav- 
alry. 

Jno. McKenzie, private Company B, Seventh Cavalry. 

Harvey H. Thomas, private Company I, Seventh Cav- 
alry. 

Christopher Martin, private Company K, Seventh Cav- 
alry. 

Jno. F. Frittle, first sergeant Company E, Seventh Cav- 
alry. 

Danl. McMahon, private Company A. 

Adam Nottle, private Company A. 

Harry Stone, private Company B. 

Fred Wader, private Company K. 

Hugh McCinnis, private Company K. 

Wm. Davis, private Company K. 

Ed A. Sullivan, private Company K. 

Samuel T. Smith, private Company K. 

Henry Howard, private Company K. 

Chas. Campbell, private Company K. 

Quartermaster Sergeant Gottleib. 

Heipp, private Company I. 

Frank Louis, private Company B. 

<L_=^ 202 ))^^=.=_^ 



Geo. Elliott, private Company K. 

Ervine Schrievener, private. 

Ernest A. Garlington, first lieutenant Company A. 

H. S. Hawthorne, first lieutenant Second Artillery. 

Alwin Hazlewood, private Company H. 

George York, private Company D. 

James Christensen, private Companv K. 

Harry Lincoln, private. 

Oliver H. Green, private Company C. 

George Sloyd, sergeant Company I. 

Herman Kranberg, private Company A, all of the Sev- 
enth Cavalry — thirty- three. 

To this may be added three or four men missing, 
whose bodies could not be found. The first names of 
some of the dead were impossible to obtain, the Seventh 
Cavalry being absent on a mission. Heavy firing is heard 
from that direction and the Ninth Cavalry has just de- 
parted as a reinforcement. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux quilled mans moccasins 



^L^.^ 203 )/^^==_J> 



Miles Issues Orders 

Much Activity at Pine Ridge 

General Brooke Starts at Head of 500 Men 
On His March to the Bad Lands 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. i, 
1891 — [Special] — The storm cleared away this morn- 
ing, leaving a heavy fall of snow on the ground. At 10 
o'clock the Second Infantry, artillery and the Ninth Cav- 
alry broke camp and started northward, followed by an 
immense wagon train, containing all their camp equip- 
age, infantry and artillery numbering 500 men, 200 cav- 
alry men, all under the command of General Brooke. 

Already General Miles, who arrived yesterday noon, 
has shown his energy in beginning active operations. All 
about the camp is seen bustle and activity for the cam- 
paign. Everything is done in a systematic manner. 

The cavalry, two Hotchkiss guns, one Gatling and three 
companies of the First Infantry remain to guard the 
place for the present. The Seventh Cavalry will doubtless 
take the field later and assist the infantry. Colonels 
Carr and Sumner are thought to be on White River, this 



side of the Bad Lands, with two battaUons of cavalry, 
comprising five hundred men. It is their purpose to pre- 
vent the hostiles from again reaching this place, allow- 
ing the infantry to come up from behind them if they 
can be fortunate enough to do so on this side of the river. 
The command of Brooke will camp on Beaver Creek to- 
night, about sixteen miles from here. Three companies 
and the band of the First Infantry from San Francisco 
are stationed at the crossing of Beaver Creek to protect 
the settlers. It is reported that the Indians are gaining 
strength very fast, their number now being throught to 
be not far from 2,000. A determined effort will be made 
to surround them and disarm them under General Miles' 
direction . 

W. F. Kelley. 



Remains of Fallen Soldiers 
Laid at Rest 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 1, 
1891 — [Special] — A blizzard was blowing, the wind 
swept over the plain in fearful gusts, with all strength 
and violence, and snow filled the air so dense that ob- 
jects fifty feet away were not visible. It is a terrible day. 
The long delayed storm is upon us and over the hills the 
army wagons wended their way, followed by the army 
in mournful silence. Amid this blinding roar they go to 
place the bodies of those who, but two days ago were 
their comrades, in the frozen ground, daily companions 
some for many a year, sharing the pleasures and hard- 

<i_..^ 205 >^.^j> 



ships of many a rough march of a soldier's life. Fifteen 
ambulances were there bearing the bodies of thirty men, 
escorted by Troops A, B, D and E and the little body that 
remains of K Troop of the Seventh Cavalry. These were 
followed by the Second Regiment of infantry. The little 
cemetery lies on the top of a hill, one mile to the south, 
and hither the soldier boys slowly took their way, plod- 
ding through the heavy snow. The bell upon the Episco- 
pal chapel rang out dismally as the troops marched by. 
Many an eye was filled with tears, many a voice choked 
with a sob as the rough pine boxes were lowered into 
the cold ground. Trumpeter Hardy of the Seventh pealed 
forth a last farewell upon his cornet as he sounded the 
"taps call." The old veteran bugler deeply affected all by 
the pathetic tones he sounded to the brave comrades 
who, alas, would never more answer any earthly calls. 

Rev. Cook of the Episcopal chapel and his assist- 
ant conducted the services according to the ritual of that 
church. They were surrounded by Colonel Forsythe and 
all the regimental officers. The Seventh then gradually 
dispersed, allowing the infantry men to fulfill the last 
sad rites. 

Gallant soldiers, you fought the foe most nobly; you 
wavered not in the hour of danger, when the treacherous 
Indian, without warning, shot you down upon Wounded 
Knee; you fought better than the world can ever know. 
Those alone who saw you know best how, like heroes, 
you stood and fell. Although great monuments may not 
be erected to your memories, although you were not 
entombed in banks of ffowers, your deeds on that bloody 
day will live long in the hearts of many whom fortime 

Q_:^ 206 |r^^^.^ 



destined should look on and sing of your deeds and cour- 
age. 

W. F. Kelley 



Disposition of the Dead 

Pine Redge Agency, S. D., (via Rushville, Neb., Jan. i, 
1891 — [Special] — The remains of Captain Wallace 
were taken to Ft. Riley, Kas., to-day for interment. He 
was stationed at this point before being sent to Pine 
Ridge. The body of Captain Mills, Second Infantry was 
sent to Elmira, N. Y., the home of his wife. General Miles 
arrived from Chadron at noon yesterday, and he has 
been in consultation with General Brooke since. It is 
understood that General Miles is very much dissatisfied 
with the management of the campaign so far and has so 
expressed himself in forcible terms. The campaign thus 
far has been entirely in the hands of General Brooke. 

Three companies of the First Infantry arrived here 
shortly after noon yesterday. Other reinforcements in 
considerable number will be here at once. The hostiles 
drove away a large herd of ponies from the Cheyenne 
camp, two miles from here, about noon. No movement 
has been made to recover them. Lieutenant Pettit of the 
Eighth Infantry died at Ft. Robinson early this morn- 
ing from an overdose of choral. 

A terrible blizzard is raging and increasing in fury 
each hour. It began before noon. Large quantities of 
snow have fallen and the wind pours forth upon all like 
an Indian typhoon. It will cause much suffering among 

CL_^^ 207 jy^^^.^j' 



the unprotected and is certain to kill many cavalry 
horses that are accustomed to shelter. 

Up to this hour no new military movement is known 
of, nor is there likely to be any made while this weather 
lasts. 

W. F. Kelley 




Crow parfleche pouch with Sioux skullcracker 



<i_=^ 208 >^=.=.^ 



Once More They Meet 
But Result Not Disastrous 

Rumors of Carfs Engagement Confirmed 
Troops Suffering But Slightly 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 2, 
1891 — [Special] — Black Elk and Home Dog, two 
scouts, came in to-night and reported to Agent Cooper 
that they had passed the previous night in the hostile 
camp, then fourteen miles from this place. They reported 
a large council being held, with so many Indians present 
that they were unable to get within a hundred feet of 
the circle of chiefs. While the old chief Red Cloud and 
his followers wished to come back, the overwhelming 
majority was against them, openly pronouncing for war 
and to kill the peacefully inclined should they attempt to 
leave the camp. The famous chiefs Big Road and Little 
Wound are with them, but which side they will espouse 
is yet doubtful. Until the fight on Monday they were ap- 
parently friendly to the whites, but under the powerful 
excitement at that time they left the agency. Their posi- 
tion is of the greatest importance, as together they have 

^_^^ 209 )^^^j> 



control of fully 2,000 men and are the skillful war chiefs 
of ability among the Sioux. 

These scouts reported great destitution in the camp 
and much suffering during the awful storm of Wednes- 
day night. Many could not even be sheltered by their 
miserable teepees. All were poorly clad, having left their 
effects at this place when they hurridly fled on Monday. 

The bands of Kicking Bear and Short Bull, which re- 
mained so long in the Bad Lands in defiance of General 
Brooke, have succeeded in getting around the military 
and joining the others. These are the most desperate In- 
dians and their junction is much to be regretted on ac- 
count of those who do not wish to go to war. Every 
opportunity will be used by these desperate Indians to 
force them into a position from which they cannot ex- 
tricate themselves peacefully and without fighting. The 
fact is much to be deplored. 

A party of friendly Indians set out from this place 
yesterday morning to bring in the dead and wounded 
from the battle field on Wounded Knee. One hundred 
and eight dead bucks were counted by them and they 
had collected eight wounded persons in their wagons 
when they were attacked by a body of Indians and 
obliged to return without completing their task. These 
wounded had laid out on the ground three days 
and were yet alive, among them being two children, one 
a babe less than three months old, found lying in the 
snow and not dead. They were brought to this place and 
will be tenderly cared for, yet it seems hardly possible 
that any of them will live. The baby found alive is a 
most remarkable incident living through the dreadful 

<i-:^ 210 >^.^ 



storm. It has been adopted by Yellow Hair and his 
squaw but is so badly frozen that it cannot live. 

Dr. Emery reports all the soldiers in the hospital do- 
ing as well as could be expected and he has now hopes 
that he can save the lives of all. It will take some days 
yet to determine that fully, as in every instance bones 
have been fractured and suffocation may take place. The 
wounded Indians lying in the Episcopal chapel are not 
faring so well, they being mostly women and children. 
While they receive the best of attention, for some reason 
they do not seem to get on as well as the soldiers, and 
one or two die each day. Their wounds were made largely 
by the explosive shells of the Hotchkiss guns, wholly 
unavoidable at the time, as men, women and children 
ran in a mob, the men keeping up a constant firing upon 
the troops behind. 

Another party will set out to-day with an escort and 
attempt to bring in the dead on the fields. Many of them 
had been carried off before the party arrived yesterday, 
as there were many more than 108 bucks killed and fully 
forty women and children. It was an awful lesson, but 
no man who saw the whole affair will say that it could, 
by any possibility, terminate differently. The Indians 
unexpectedly began the shooting on the soldiers not 
twenty feet distant. They fought and died on the spot 
in large numbers. 

The articles to be seen in some newspaper claiming 
the affair to be a slaughter and without provacation is 
utterly untrue and without foundation. The Journal 
reports have been exact in every particular and it can be 



best judged from them whether or not suflBcient cause 
was given. 

General Brooke and his command are marching to 
the northwest to block the Indians, should they proceed 
in that direction. Sumner, with his battalion, is on the 
north, and Carr, with his cavalry, in the northeast. It is 
supposed when the time comes to move, General Miles, 
with the old Seventh Cavahy, will march forward and 
drive them against one or the other of these columns. 

There was a small detachment of infantry and also 
cavalry that marched from Rosebud and arrived at this 
place yesterday morning. 

Major Gardner, a special agent of the Indian depart- 
ment, is here with instructions to investigate the causes 
of this trouble and assist the agents. Cooper and Royer, 
in any way possible. 

The inhabitants of this place were again visited with 
an alarm last evening, fearing the Indians would make 
a dash in upon them, since the infantry has departed and 
the cavalry being camped fully a mile away to the south. 
A few families of Indian policemen came in this morn- 
ing, being carried away by force on Monday. 

A report has just came in from a reliable Indian that 
Carr's command had an engagement with the Indians 
yesterday near the White River. It is reported the In- 
dians had the best of the battle, driving Carr back to 
the river, killing many of his men and capturing a dozen 
or so of his cavalry horses. The Indian claims to have 
seen the latter brought into the camp. The engagement 
without doubt has taken place, as Carr was known to be 
in that vicinity, the Indians being vastly in excess in 



number of the men in his command. Further particulars 
will be given later if brought here. 

W. F. Kelley 




Woodland club 



<^-^ 213 >^^i^^^ 



The Latest from the Front 

Carrs Command Has a Skirmish, 
But Without Disastrous Results 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (Via Riishville, Neb.), Jan. 3, 
1891 — [Special] — Preparations for an active winter 
campaign are rapidly being pushed forward. Wagon 
loads of supplies for horses and men are being hurried 
in from every direction. The report of Carr's engage- 
ment is confirmed. A few Indians were wounded and 
many shot and two soldiers of his command were 
wounded, but not seriously. 

Black Foot, a friendly, was the bearer of a message 
from the hostiles yesterday. They demanded the with- 
drawal of the soldiers, and further said that they would 
treat with no one for peace except the Vice-President of 
the United States or the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 
This message was sent directly from the hostiles to sup- 
posed friendly Chief Red Cloud. Yesterday the large 
boarding school for Indians caught fire and was only 
subdued by the Indian police after much damage was 
done to the building, the contents having been gotten 
out. 



A man named Miller, formerly a government herder, 
was found a few miles from this place riddled with bul- 
lets,, killed by the Indians. He was seeking to get into 
the agency. Many other men have had narrow escapes 
during the past week while trying to get here, the In- 
dians swarming all around the country on the lookout 
for stragglers. 

General Miles has radically changed the system of 
guarding this place since his arrival. He has now placed 
guard tents out one mile in every direction so the place 
is thoroughly guarded by picket beats night and day, 
the relief guards being quartered in the tents near by 
to act as a support in case of need. All Indians from Sun- 
day on will be prevented from going in and out of this 
place at pleasure. They will have to present tickets to 
the guards, stating their business. This is done to pre- 
vent, if possible, the numerous bands of spies continu- 
ally going back and forth and to prevent the hostiles 
from returning secretly at midnight back to this place 
after fighting the soldiers. 

Lieutenants Mann, Hawthorne and Garlington and 
eighteen men leave here to-morrow for Rushville, where 
they will be placed in a special car attached to the reg- 
ular train and taken to their homes at Ft. Riley, Kas., 
until they recover. It will be a long tedious journey for 
them from here to Rushville, the road being very rough 
and hilly. The car, I believe, will pass through Lincoln. 

Three companies of the First Infantry and the band 
arrived here last night. The band boys have laid aside 
their instruments and are placed in the ranks. Two com- 
panies of the Eighth Infantry and two companies of the 



Ninth Cavalry are now encamped on the battlefield at 
Wounded Knee, they being from Rosebud Agency. 

W. F. Kelley. 







Sioux quilled hairpiece 



<^^^ 216 >^^=^ 



Can Whip the Indians 
General Miles Asserts 

Some Doubt Expressed as to the 
Advisability of Closing in on Redskins 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., (via Rushville, Neb., Jan. 4, 
1891 — [Special] — Lieutenant H. C. Squires has ar- 
rived from Leavenworth, and will have charge of the ill- 
fated troops of the Seventh Cavalry, he being absent from 
his company during the fight on Wounded Knee. He 
was at Leavenworth attending an examination for pro- 
motion. In estimating the strength of the hostiles yes- 
terday the Indian agents gave the number as being 
about 4,000, 2,200 belonging to this agency, about 1,200 
from Rosebud, and the remainder gathered from every 
agency in both the Dakotas. This is considered a very 
reliable statment, as the count is made up by the ab- 
sence of issue checks due on ration-day. Some Brule 
Indians were in the Indian camp here last night, seeking 
to stir up dissension and have them join the hostiles. 
Considerable anxiety is felt regarding these so-called 
friendly Indians. In the hour of danger it is almost cer- 



tain they would turn and fight the soldiers or bum the 
agency. The latter is the thing most feared, and as every 
night passes the apprehension increases, the Indians 
being camped only thirteen miles from this place on 
White Clay Creek. 

General Miles expressed himself last evening as not 
doubting his ability to whip the Indians in a fight with 
all the troops, but what he most feared was his inability 
to capture them all by moving the troops in upon them 
from all sides. They would break through the lines in 
small bands and would ravage and plunder the whole 
country. Orders from Washington are to seek any means 
to avoid a war, or rather to get them in here peacefully, 
as they are in a hostile attitude now. 

Doctors of the army are coming here daily from all 
parts of the country to give the wounded the very best 
of care, which they certainly do receive. The following 
is a list of those now present at Pine Ridge. Dr. Rache, 
Omaha, medical director; Dr. Hartstaff, Omaha; Dr. 
Huff, Omaha; Dr. Ewing, St. Louis; Dr. E. F. Gardiner, 
Buffalo, Ft. Porter; Dr. Ives, Dr. W. H. Gardinar, Angets 
Island, Cal.; Dr. Everetts, Davids Island, N. Y.; Dr. 
Landergate, Oswego, N. Y.; Dr. Cylburn, West Point, 
N. Y.; Dr. Gibson, New Haven; Dr. Bradley, Omaha; 
Dr. Glennan, Ft. Riley, a total of thirteen. 

In compliance with an order issued by General Miles 
on yesterday the following wounded were this morning 
sent to Rushville in ambulances for transportation to 
their various destinations, all being sent under the care 
of Dr. Glennan, U.S.A., assisted by Privates Goodwin 
and Kuhn, of the hospital corps, Seventh Cavalry. The 

«i_=^ 218 >^^=.^ 



following were sent to Ft. Riley, Kas.: H. L. Hawthorne, 
lieutenant Second Artillery; J. B. Mann, lieutenant K 
Troop, Seventh Cavalry; Ernest Gastington, lieutenant 
A. Troop, Seventh Cavalry; Quartermaster-sergeant 
Campbell, Seventh Cavalry; Private Duncan McMahan, 
Troop D, Seventh Cavalry; Private Neder, A Troop, Sev- 
enth Cavalry; Sergeants Ward and Twohey, B Troop, 
Seventh Cavalry. Privates Louis and McKinzie, B Troop; 
Claussen, Green, Schiever and Kern, D Troop; Sergeant 
Trittle, E Troop; Howard, I Troop; Rayner, Corporal 
Chifton, to Ft. Omaha: John Kinzie, lieutenant Second 
Infantry, Privates Hahin, Horen, Greener, Company B, 
Corporal Boyle and Private Cowley, Company G, Sec- 
ond Infantry. Sent to Ft. Robinson: Private Jackson, Com- 
pany I, Ninth Cavalry, Private Irving, Company K, Ninth 
Cavalry. The ambulances were guarded to Rushville by 
Lieutenant Rice and a detachment of the Seventh Cav- 
alry. Frederic Remington, the artist for various maga- 
zines, arrived yesterday and is busily engaged in his work. 

W. F. Kelley. 




Blackfeet knife in knife sheath 



<i_.^ 219 ^^^^p 



They Sue for Peace 
Hostiles Confer ^Jvith Miles 

Pine Ridge Band Anxious to Come In, but 
They Want the Best of the Bargain 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 6, 
1891 — [Special] — Yesterday afternoon young Jack 
Red Cloud, Big Road, High Horse, Little Hawk, Lone 
Bear and five others came in to treat for peace in behalf 
of the Pine Ridge Agency Indians. They sought General 
Miles and held a short council, more brief and emphatic, 
doubtless, than they had anticipated. General Miles or- 
dered them to come and surrender at once. That he 
would listen to none of their complaints; that after the 
affair was arranged here they could go to Washington 
and make their complaints to the proper authorities. 
They wished him to withdraw the troops from here and 
those surrounding them, which the general refused to 
do. 

The red men were of com'se disappointed that they 
could not make terms of peace, but General Miles 
plainly let them understand that he was the person in 

<L_.=^ 220 jy^^..^^ 



the position to make the terms of peace. They then asked 
for the usual delay of time, saying they had twenty-six 
wounded persons and that they could not be safely 
moved at present, further asking that the troops be not 
sent out against them. Miles replied saying they had 
better come in soon. He would make no promise as to 
the non-movement of the troops. 

The reason for delay appears somewhat ludicrous 
when it is remembered that they are only distant ten 
to twelve miles. They were asked to bring in the 
wounded and they would receive the best of medical 
attendance. 

These Indians will hold another brief talk to-day with 
General Miles and then return to their friends. They re- 
port all Pine Ridge Indians want peace, but it is doubt- 
ful if they can persuade the others, as they have always 
wished for war, and want to fight now. If the Pine Ridge 
Indians do return this will reduce the hostile force to 
about 2,000 all told. This force the troops can easily 
conquer if they persist in their determination for war. 
The Pine Ridge Agency Indians will doubtless return 
to this place in a day or two. 

Yesterday horses were purchased and brought here 
with which to mount the First Infantry. They are In- 
dian horses and will be of much service if this infantry 
regiment takes the field. 

Yesterday at noon a report was brought in here bv 
six men that they had seen a party of fifty Indians a few 
miles to the east of here and that they were going 
south in the direction of Gordon. A detachment of the 
Seventh Cavalry, under Lieutenant Gresham, at once 

<L_^221 1)^^^^.^^ 



went in pursuit, but up to a late hour last evening they 
were unable to locate them. It was doubtless a small 
raiding party going south some miles and which would 
quickly return to camp upon discovery. 

Major Gardner, Indian inspector, yesterday left for 
Washington, where he will present the whole trouble 
to Secretary Noble, its causes and the present outlook. 

Father Crafts, the Catholic priest is rapidly recover- 
ing from the knife wounds received at Wounded Knee. 
It was feared at first he had received a mortal wound 
through the lungs, but happily this is not so. Father 
Crafts has spent most of his life among these Indians 
and is connected with the Indian Department. 

The quartermaster. Captain Humphrey, is experienc- 
ing much difficulty in purchasing sufficient supplies for 
the troops. Yesterday Agent Royer paid off the Indian 
police, they receiving their salary quarterly. Paymaster 
Stanton will to-morrow gladden the hearts of officers and 
men with his monthly appearance among them. 

Ex-agent McGillicuddy arrived here again yesterday. 

W. F. Kelley. 

Some Inside Information in Connection 
With Forsythes Suspension 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.) Jan. 5, 
1891 — [Special] — An order was issued yesterday 
suspending Colonel James W. Forsythe from the com- 
mand of the Seventh Cavalry awaiting the court of in- 
quiry. This order causes much regret among the legion 
of friends of Colonel Forsythe. The charge against him 

<i_=^ 222 ])^^:.._j> 



was the unscientific placing of troops at Wounded Knee 
last Monday while disarming Big Foot's band. It is dif- 
ficult to see any foundation for such a charge. Two dis- 
mounted troops of cavalry were placed at right angles 
about the Indian semi-circle, these troops being sup- 
ported behind by troops of mounted and dismounted 
men. Troops were not placed around the Indians as has 
been stated in many papers, and when the Indians took 
to flight they ran in the opposite direction from the 
right angles of troops. In front of the small hill 200 feet 
away, upon which were placed the two Hotchkiss guns, 
the Indians mixed with the women and children in run- 
ning, all the time keeping up an incessant firing at the 
troops on the hill. Then it was the Hotchkiss guns began 
firing and not until then. 

The party sent out to bury the dead Indians returned 
yesterday and the ofiicial report gives eighty-four war- 
riors and sixty-three women and children found and 
buried. Big Foot and many others were not found and 
have doubtless been carried off and interred. About 
seventy-five places were found where bodies had lain 
and been since removed. Tracks can be seen in the snow 
which fell the night following the battle. Two hundred 
Indians may safely be said to be the number killed in 
that bloody fray, aside from nine which have died from 
their wounds at this place. There are thirty-three 
wounded Indians here at present, many of whom will 
die. It is impossible to estimate the wounded that were 
not brought here. Even before the troops left the battle- 
field on that day friends were carrying them from the 
field in Indian wagons. I myself saw at least twenty-five 

<j_=^ 223 jy^^.^-j' 



thus removed. Allowing forty or fifty as a total brings 
the total number of killed and wounded Indians on that 
day to between 275 and 300. To this is thirty-five sol- 
diers killed and thirty-eight wounded, adding seventy- 
three more to the list of that day's fight and its results. 
These figures are as accurate as can be obtained from 
the officer in charge of the burying party. A little child 
three months of age, found on the field of carnage, has 
become the ward of Major Burke, Buffalo Bill's partner, 
who has undertaken to see that it is provided for. He 
has named it Maggie C. Naiber, after a warm friend and 
a wealthy society lady of Washington, D. C. 

Yesterday at noon one battalion of the Seventh Cav- 
alry and two Hotchkiss guns were sent from here by 
General Miles to camp on Crow Creek, about ten miles 
to the west of Pine Ridge. The taking away of these 
troops causes much uneasiness among the people here. 

Last night was another one of terror more terrible 
than the one before. There is not to exceed 400 troops 
and nearly 4,000 Indians less than a mile away. Squaw 
men and half-breeds are moving their families away 
from here as fast as possible, flying to railroad points in 
every direction. Word was sent to the general late in 
the afternoon that an attack would be made upon the 
place before morning, and an attempt made to burn it. 
From an Indian standpoint this would be a more effec- 
tive blow than a victory over one of the surrounding 
armies. An immense amount of property, buildings, etc., 
would be destroyed. 

Every man, woman and child moved from their homes 
and congregated together at some central place near 

CL_.^ 224 )^^^_J> 



what few troops that remain and spent the night watch- 
ing and waiting. Nothing can express the muttered 
prayer of thankfulness as the darkness cleared away and 
the sunlight gradually rose over the eastern hills. 

W. F. Kelley. 




Sioux bow and arrow 



<i.-^ 225 >^^*.^ 



Preparing for Peace 

War Department Official on the Scene 
To Separate the Good From the Bad 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 7, 
1891 — [Special] — Captain E. P. Ewers of the Fifth 
Infantry has been ordered by the War Department to take 
charge of the surrendered Indians here and all those 
who may hereafter surrender, his duty being to keep 
account of the hostiles and their families that they may 
be distinguished from the friendlies and dealt with ac- 
cordingly when the war is over and terms of settlement 
are made. That this is a wise move is needless to say 
to those who have had experience in former Indian wars. 
Heretofore it has been customary in war for Indians 
when so inclined to run off and fight the soldiers and 
then when the war was nearly at an end to secretly re- 
turn and evade the punishment meted out to others. 
For some time past the ofiicials here have been urgently 
requested to take this step and the receipt of this order 
gives much satisfaction and is but justice to those who 
have remained from the first friends to the whites. Cap- 

i_.^ 226 >^^..^ 



tain Ewers will draw supplies and rations from Agent 
Royer for those in his charge. 

Census Agent Lee has made a count of the Indians 
at present in Pine Ridge. He finds they number nearly 
3,500, nine- tenths of whom are women and children. 
This gives an idea of how many warriors are absent in 
the hostile camp from this place, the total number of 
Indians reporting to this agency being 5,600 and over. 

Another unfortunate victim of the mission fight with 
the Indians was found yesterday afternoon, his name 
being Dom Franschettie, of Troop G, Seventh Cavalry. 
Franschettie was missed upon the return of the cavalry 
that day. No one had seen him fall in the fight, but he 
was at once given up for lost. Lost Horse, one of Tay- 
lor's Indian scouts, came across his body yesterday and 
brought it to this place. He had been scalped, his head 
crushed in, hands cut off and in other ways horribly mu- 
tilated. The unfortunate man was interred with military 
honors as soon as possible in the little cemetery on the 
hill, officers and comrades of his regiment attending in 
a body. 

The Indians having learned yesterday of the talk of 
placing a military agent over them, held a council and 
then proceeded in a body to call upon Special Agent 
Cooper and lay their protest before him to such a 
change. They first stated they did this entirely of their 
own accord and expressed the opinion of all the friendly 
Indians unanimously. Their spokesman was old Amer- 
ican Horse, a powerful chief, formerly a desperate war- 
rior, but now a devoted adherent of the whites, uphold- 
ing the policy of education and progress among his race. 



He stated that if the change was made the Indians 
would be kept in perpetual fear and perform their du- 
ties through this motive rather than inculcating in 
themselves reliance for itself. He stated what has so 
often proven true, that he feared the friendlies would 
suffer in the end for that in which they took no part. 
They were satisfied with Agent Royer; all liked him; 
while he was firm and demanded obedience from them, 
yet he was kind and would always listen to any com- 
plaints they had to make, so they had come to look 
upon him as a father and arbitrator in all their disputes. 
He feared a military agent would not heed such things 
and therefore would not be as satisfactory. They ended 
by requesting Mr. Cooper to forward to Washington 
their unanimous disapproval of any change. 

A few ludicrous incidents are related here of the ac- 
tions of the militia at the towns along the railroad, their 
doings forming the heart of many a joke among the peo- 
ple here. It is hard to apprehend any cause for the 
fright and uproar now prevalent in these towns. It is 
hoped the presence of troops will give a feeling of se- 
curity to the people. If the Indians succeed in getting 
away from General Miles in their present position there 
is no place for them to go but to flee northwest into 
the mountains of Wyoming. They must go this way if 
they wish to avoid the military. Again the Indians do 
not wish to run into the arms of the enemy, and if they 
ran south they would be placing themselves between 
the troops and the towns, for the troops are spread 
across the country to the north of these towns, not at 



all with the purpose of protecting them, but to surround 
the Indians. 

It is with much regret that the people here view Colo- 
nel Forsythe's suspension from his command in the 
midst of this trouble. The charges against him are, im- 
proper placing of the troops, improper handling of the 
troops and unnecessary killing of non-combatants. There 
is hardly a doubt but what Colonel Forsythe will be able 
to disprove all these charges with honor to himself. He 
feels the stigma greatly, just at this moment. Colonel 
Forsythe was a prominent cavalry leader under Sheri- 
dan during the war, accompanying the latter to Europe 
during the Franco-German campaign, remaining his 
chief of staff until his death. Since then he has had com- 
mand of the famous regiment of the Seventh Cavalry. 

W. F. Kelley. 

Late News from Yellow Hair 

Pine RmcE Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 7, 
1891 — [Special] — The body of Issac Miller, the gov- 
ernment herder, was brought in this afternoon by the In- 
dian Red Eagle. The body was horribly mutilated. He 
was killed several days ago. 

Chief Yellow Hair and a few others came in this 
afternoon and surrendered, the chief being badly 
wounded in the arm. 

W. F. Kelley. 



^L_=^ 229 ))^^.=^ 



Moving on the Camp 

Troops Press the Hostiles from Rear 
Will Drive Them to the Agency 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 8, 
1891 — [Special] — Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, 
the most powerful chief in the great Sioux nation, ar- 
rived here to-day in the charge of Captain O'Connell. 
The chief has never opposed the government. An effort 
will be made to have him go to the hostile camp with a 
last plea for the savages to surrender, but it is probable 
that his coming is too late, for Colonel Corbin today an- 
nounced the movement of the troops upon the hostile 
Indian village. The soldiers are pressing upon the sav- 
ages from the rear and flanks. The mouth of the funnel 
is Pine Ridge, and it is here that the redskins will be 
driven and crushed. 

The hostiles are nearly 1,000 strong, and to-day they 
sent word that they will not surrender until the soldiers 
were taken to the railroad. Preparations for receiving the 
hostiles in their rush through the funnel are now com- 
pleted. A trench has been dug west of the school house, 

•u-.^ 230 Jy^.^^j' 



with bags of dirt piled up for breastworks. A Hotchkiss 
gun masked with sapUngs, has been planted in such a 
position that it can sweep the valley in all directions. 
Fortifications on the hillsides to the north and east are 
also finished and rifle pits have been dug everywhere. 
The soldiers who were wounded are still here and are 
doing nicely, although all of them are desperately hurt. 

Agent Roger is Displaced by Army Officer 
The General Outlook 

Pine Ridge, Jan. 8, 1891 — Agent Royer was removed 
to-day by the Department of the Interior and Captain 
Pierce, of the First Infantry, succeeds him. Royer says 
his removal was brought about by political influences 
and that no charges could be brought against him. 

General Miles' view of the situation is about as fol- 
lows: There are 300 or 400 Indians who are in the hos- 
tile camp who are trying every way to influence the 
remainder not only to remain out, but to fight the matter 
to the end. General Miles hopes the better element will 
prevail and destroy the influence of these wicked Brules. 
On this account he is exercising patience. 

General Brooke, from the camp on White Clay Creek, 
advises General Miles that many of the principal men 
and chiefs will visit Miles to-morrow. The position of 
the various forces in the field was changed somewhat 
to-day. It was reported that General Miles would hold 
a conference to-day with Red Cloud, but he has decided 
to hold no more talks with the aged chief, having 
given him his ultimatum several days ago — to aban- 



don the hostiles or suffer the consequences. The arrival 
of the old man is considered evidence of his good faith, 
as is also the effort he made yesterday to save Lieute- 
nant Casey's life, warning him of his danger. 

Red Cloud tells of the fight between the Oglalas and 
Brules shortly succeeding the killing of Casey. The for- 
mer made an attempt to return to the agency. The Brules 
objected, firing a number of shots at the Oglalas. No- 
body, however, was injured. This morning about 200 of 
the Oglalas succeeded in getting away and came to the 
agency. 

Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, with several mem- 
bers of his band, returned to-day from their friendly 
visit to the Crows and were granted an audience by 
General Miles. Buffalo Bill arrived from Rushville at 
noon and had a talk with General Miles. He was warmly 
greeted by several hundred Indians. He informed Gen- 
eral Miles that the Nebraska militia have extended their 
hnes toward Pine Ridge several miles, and that mounted 
men patrol between the several companies, so that no 
Indians may pass through the line. General Miles ap- 
proved the arrangements. Old Red Cloud determined 
to leave the hostile camp last night, and with his wife 
walked sixteen miles to the agency, getting here this 
morning. He used every endeavor to prevent the mur- 
der of Casey yesterday and even sent a scout to warn 
him. Casey turned and was returning toward the camp 
when a cowardly Brule shot him in the back of the head. 

One of the wounded squaws died to-day. She was 
shot in seven places. The chief surgeon directed the am- 
putation of one limb, but when the bucks outside heard 

<i_.^ 232 }r^^^.^-J» 



this they protested so loudly that the amputation was 
abandoned. As a consequence the woman died. Five 
more are not expected to hve. At the suggestion of Buf- 
falo Bill, General Miles sent out scouts to ascertain who 
the Indians are that have been seen at the head of 
Snake River, south of the Nebraska line. Late to-night it 
is feared 300 Indians said to be coming are in camp 
three miles from the agency. 

W. F. K. 



Cheyenne mans pouch 



<i_^ 233 j)'^^.^ 



Miles Displays Caution 

He Anticipates An Attack on the Agency 
Deems All Precautions Warranted 

Pine Ridge, S. D., Jan. 9, 1891 — Yesterday afternoon all 
the commands in the field were ordered to march from 
there to a point six miles nearer the hos tiles. Late last 
night the order was put into effect. At intervals of two 
or three days the cordon will be drawn more tightly 
around the hostiles, until they agree either to come in 
peaceably or be whipped into submission. The disposi- 
tion they evince to accept the overtures of General Miles 
is susceptible of but one interpretation, and that is that 
they propose to surrender and retain their arms or die in 
the attempt. This is backed up by the fact that a major- 
ity of those who have come in from the hostiles are 
squaws and children whom it is desired to get out of the 
way. Some of the bucks come in occasionally, demon- 
strate their alleged friendliness and at the same time re- 
tain feelings of hostility which impel them to flee the 
agency. The coming in of Red Cloud is variously inter- 
preted. His good faith is doubted by many, as it is well 

<L_^ 234 >^^^^=^ 



known that he could not have stolen away in the night 
from the hostiles had the latter desired to retain him. 

No one can tell what the cover of darkness may bring 
from the hostiles. That they have contemplated (and 
do still) an attack upon the agency is believed by all 
well informed people; that they are now awaiting an 
opportunity is almost an established fact. Red Cloud 
is living in his house among the "friendlies." At a signal 
from the hostiles it is believed he will communicate the 
same to the friendlies. The agency could then be at- 
tacked from all sides. There are now less than 1,000 
soldiers within a mile of headquarters. Before those sta- 
tioned in the field could reach here great damage could 
be done. General Miles to-day, as if impressed with this 
fact, is extending breastworks around the school which 
will command a larger extent of the friendlies' camps. 
He believes every word of the message from Brooke 
that a number of hostiles last night tried to break 
through his lines and escape to Rosebud. They found 
the line too strong, however, and retired. Colonel Kent 
and Captain Baldwin, who are collecting facts regard- 
ing the battle at Wounded Knee Creek, have examined 
a number of eye-witnesses. The information is being 
gathered in a formal manner. Troop A, Seventh Cavalry, 
Captain Mayhan, left as an escort to-day with Paymas- 
ter, First Infantry, in command of the troops at the 
field. Red Cloud says there are 100 wounded Indians 
among the hostiles, whom Little Wound wants to send 
to the agency. General Miles has placed Colonel Shaf- 
ter, First Infantry, in command of the troops at the 
agency. Sitting Bear and Long Bull have written Gen- 

a_^ 235 j)^^..^ 



eral Miles that they propose to come in with their fol- 
lowers and be good Indians. 

It is learned that General Miles' reason for ordering 
the extension of the breastworks about the school 
grounds was due to the discovery of the fact that one of 
the plans of the hostiles, with the assistance of the al- 
leged friendlies, was to attack the school. The attack 
would not be made till after the children had left. This 
evacuation was to be accomplished at a given signal and 
immediately preceding it the scholars were to over- 
power the teacher and the work of destruction was to 
begin. The story is well authenticated and was brought 
to General Miles' attention. He has taken due precau- 
tion. Colonel Shafter has issued orders to the officers in 
command of the several detachments to take every pre- 
caution to repel a night attack. In the event of such a 
surprise the troops are to repair to a designated position, 
which they are to hold to the last. While the post could 
be satisfactorily defended during the day by the breast 
works, Hotchkiss guns and Gatling guns and four pieces 
of Artillery, it could not be so well protected in the event 
of a surprise at night. This order has doubtless been sug- 
gested for the purpose of allaying the fear of a night at- 
tack which exists among the whites. 

Late this afternoon the Seventh Cavalry was moved 
from the bottoms in which it had been stationed to a 
hill east which commands a view of the agency. From 
this position they can easily respond to a call from any 
part of the agency, day or night. Shortly after the change 
three fires were noticed from the school house. It is 
thought the houses of Mexican, Young-Man-Afraid-of- 

<i_^ 236 >^==.=^ 



His-Horses, and Standing Soldier were fired by settlers. 
He Dog and Jack Red Cloud and about lOO others have 
returned to the camp. Still more have promised, but 
have failed to keep their word. 

General Miles says: "At last accounts the Indians were 
fighting among themselves. Their camp was pandemon- 
ium. There was no head to the hostiles.The desperadoes 
were destroying their own people." If those Indians who 
belong to this agency come in, the others, the general 
thinks, will endeavor to get back to their reservation. 
The hostile element, he says, is composed of Indians 
from Standing Rock, Cheyenne River and Rosebud Res- 
ervations. The troops on the other side are frequently 
skirmishing with them and will follow them if they 
come in. Should such be the case the general thinks the 
military problem will be solved. The control of the In- 
dians in peace, he holds, will still be a matter for serious 
consideration, because they will have to be so cared for 
as not to be a terror to the people of these states and not 
go to war in the spring, even if they should desire to. 

General Miles to-day received a note in Indian, 
couched in terms of angelic sweetness and innocence. 
It came from Sitting Bear and Short Bull. They had 
stopped their ghost dance, they said, because the gen- 
eral bade them. They would come in and be good In- 
dians. It is unnecessary to say the word of these wily 
chiefs was not respected from the first. They have been 
credited before with asserting that they would never 
come in, even if only fifty remained out. The letter was 
intended for a purpose and General Miles seems to un- 
derstand what that purpose was. This afternoon a 

^_^ 237 >^^=^^ 



detachment of the Ninth Cavalry arrived, escorting 
twenty-four Indians who had succeeded in breaking 
away from the hos tiles. Young- Man- Afraid-of-His- 
Horses reported to General Miles this afternoon that he 
visited the Oglalas and they would start for the agency 
to-day, camping to-night near the school house at 
Wounded Knee. 

W. F. K. 




Sioux Sundance baton 



<L_^ 238 >^^.=^ 



Bound to be a Battle 

Peace May Prevail for a Time, 

But Spring Will Witness the End of Its Sway 

Pine Ridge Agency, (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. lo, 1891 
— [Special] — The situation here is about this: if the 
Pine Ridge Indians, those belonging here, come in, the 
others will secretly endeavor to get away, go through 
the lines of troops and scatter over the country, as the 
really hostile body is composed of outlaw Indians and 
the disturbing element of Standing Rock, Cheyenne and 
Rosebud Agencies. The troops during the past few days 
have had frequent skirmishes with the hostiles, with no 
serious results, but they will keep close to the camp, and 
yesterday all the circle moved up nearer five miles in 
compliance with General Miles' order. It is the object of 
the military and war department to restore authority 
and confidence among the Indians and to place them 
in such a condition that there can be no possible out- 
break in the spring. 

It is hardly possible this result can be reached with- 
out a bloody battle. Old frontiersmen say freely they ex- 

239 



pect it to be the largest and fiercest ever seen in Indian 
history and they have good reason for such a conclusion. 
They are absolutely without fear and many of them 
would positively welcome death if they could sacrifice 
a white man by doing so. The battle at Wounded Knee 
should have been plain illustration of how desperate 
they have become and should another attempt be made 
to disarm them trouble will surely be seen. It may be 
added that orders are already here to disarm all these 
Indians. The suspense and anxiety so long endured will 
be soon at an end. Two or three day's time will surely 
show if it is fight or surrender. If it is war never were 
troops more admirably placed in the field, nor handled 
by a more capable man than at present controls the sit- 
uation. 

The officers who have been investigating Colonel For- 
sythe and the battle of Wounded Knee, have finished 
their examination of the troops and ofiicers here and 
proceeded to Captain Illsley's camp. Illsley, with one 
battalion of the Seventh Cavalry, is situated ten miles to 
the west of here and they will be thoroughly examined. It 
is understood every officer's testimony was in favor of 
Forsythe, that the troops were in perfect formation and 
were managed with skill such as reflects great credit 
upon Colonel Forsythe. Of course this is the only testi- 
mony so far given and further investigation will only 
confirm what has so far been given. Army officers think 
a serious mistake has been made in thus removing Colo- 
nel Forsythe and that great injustice has been done him. 

Captain Pierce, the newly appointed agent, will ar- 
rive here to-morrow from Minneapolis. Troop A left this 

ci_^ 240 jy^^^.-j^ 



place yesterday morning, escorting Major Comegys, the 
paymaster, to Captain Illsley's camp on Beaver Creek. 

W. K. Kelley. 

To-Day Will Witness Either a 
Complete Surrender or a Battle 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. lo, 
1891 — [Special] — People upon awakening this morn- 
ing were most pleasantly surprised by hearing music of 
an army band sounding from the camp of the First In- 
fantry. The instruments had arrived during the night 
from Hermosa and were first used at guard mount this 
morning. The agreeable change may be imagined when 
it is known that the only music heard here for two 
months has been occasionally "Annie Rooney," rendered 
on a half -cracked harmonica by a half breed. 

From all present indications it is expected the hostiles 
will start for this place to-day, camping at the Catholic 
mission, six miles from here, this evening and being in 
here to-morrow. If they were so inclined the Indians 
could easily march into this place in half a day. It is 
presumed they wish to march slowly and deliberate 
over the matter further as they move. They have so 
often promised in the past to come in that not much 
credence was at first placed in the report, but it seems 
now as if their intention was to do so, and if no unfortu- 
nate accident occurs to again stampede them I believe 
they will be found at this place in a day or two. The 
slightest incident, any malicious false report, however, 
is sufficient to cause them to run and take any desperate 



chance to break through the hnes of surrounding troops. 
Never was more diplomacy needed; never had a gen- 
eral a more difficult position to sustain than has General 
Miles at this moment. Firmness and conciliation must 
be used to pacify all factions and all jealous chiefs at 
this moment about him. If he succeeds he will save this 
country a bloody war. His task is one of such magnitude 
that few men could accomplish it, but all have confi- 
dence in Miles and hope for the best. 

All the outstanding troops have orders to come for- 
ward again to-day, keeping their proportionate and rel- 
ative distance from the Indians and the other commands. 
General Brooke, with his army, has been ordered to keep 
close behind them, perhaps four or five miles distant, 
and retain this position until they arrive at the agency. 

General Brooke reported that yesterday a party of In- 
dians sought to break through his lines. The guard at 
once summoned assistance and they were foiled and 
turned back. This undoubtedly hastened their decision 
to come this way. Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, the 
noted chief was the person that brought the news to 
Miles yesterday that most of them wanted to get to Pine 
Ridge soon. He is a friendly chief and the hostiles showed 
their spite against him by burning his house and the 
houses of two others eight miles from here. Young-Man- 
Afraid-of-His Horses and the whole agency saw the 
smoke from his dwelling rise over the hills to the north. 

The hostiles sent word in that they wished to camp 
with the friendly Indians to the south of the agency, 
but General Miles will not allow them to do so and has 
decided that they shall camp on the north side, on the 

<L_=^ 242 ))'^=^j^ 



creek near old Red Cloud's house. This position is only 
a few hundred yards from the building of the agency, 
but the First Infantry has a large guard, Hotchkiss guns 
and earthen breast works on the crest of the hill, so 
that a clear, open sweep of the camp is had if it should 
be necessary to act. 

The friendlies are becoming more uneasy every day, 
fearing they will be disarmed as well as the hostiles. 
They have to be watched and pacified at every step and 
almost every hour during the day. They number fully 
3,500 and much caution still must be exercised in deal- 
ing with them, so they may not take offense at this criti- 
cal time, when they are so unreasonable in their de- 
mands, and so doubtful of what their position is. 

Exciting times are expected by every man here when 
they get here. Old men of long Indian experience think 
it hardly possible they will peacefully submit without 
making trouble some time. 

Agent Royer and many others, whose families have 
so far been here during the trouble, are getting them all 
away today to Rushville and other points at a safe dis- 
tance. An indefinable fear appears to possess all that 
something is going to happen. General Miles to-day is- 
sued an order that somewhat relieves the anxiety, the 
effect of it being that after the Indians come in, no In- 
dian except the police and special characters will be 
allowed to come near the agency proper, all being kept 
outside of the guard lines, if possible, day and night. 
The troops will take some of the more important picket 
stations about the buildings heretofore held by the In- 
dian police. In fact, both will be kept upon duty. 

CL_^ 243 >^^^.=^ 



Colonel Schafter rode about this morning designating 
such posts as he also wished soldiers to guard in con- 
nection with the police. The place this morning presents 
a striking picture. Single squaws from some lonely point 
will begin howling and calling upon the men to be 
brave, to remember they are Indians and warriors. As 
soon as possible this is suppressed, but soon another 
one is heard from an opposite direction, and so it goes. 
They are seeking to incite the men, to agitate them as 
much as possible — a bad sign, as illustrating their feel- 
ing, but it is hardly possible to cause any effect at pre- 
sent. 

The following is the bulletin issued by General Miles 
to-day to the members of the press: "There is little 
change in the state of affairs. It was decided in the In- 
dian camp to move in this direction to-day, with a view 
of surrendering." 

Young-Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses returned to the 
agency yesterday and stated that they would move this 
morning, camping to-night on White Clay Creek, about 
five miles from this place, the troops forming a crescent- 
shaped line. They will move simultaneously south from 
White River and act as circumstances may dictate. 
Should the Indians continue in this direction and show 
a purpose to surrender the troops will not attack them. 
They will, however, attack anyone endeavoring to es- 
cape or pursue any that may succeed in getting through 
the lines. Every measure is being taken to force these 
Indians to submission and avoid serious trouble in the 
settlements. 



Colonel Bob McReynolds, from Lincoln, came up to 
this place this afternoon. The colonel holds a special 
commission from Governor Thayer. 

W. F. Kelley. 

Encamped a Few Miles From Agency and 
Listening to Rabid Harrangues 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. ii, 
1891 — [Special] — General Miles received word at 
midnight that the hostiles would not reach this place to- 
day as anticipated, they sending in the old excuse that 
a broken down bridge prevented them from moving as 
fast as they desired. They did not move yesterday to ex- 
ceed three miles and doubtless they will not much ex- 
ceed that distance in to-day's march. Girard, chief of 
the scouts, said this morning they would camp to-night 
at the mission, where it was supposed they were camp- 
ing last night until word to the contrary was received 
here at midnight by General Miles. The command of 
General Brooke camped last night at the spot the In- 
dians had vacated in the morning. Thus it will be seen 
the troops are not to exceed three miles behind them. 

It is the intention of Miles not to crowd them, but 
permit them to come right along, so long as they move 
at all, at their own speed. It was learned yesterday that 
they have thirty-six wounded with them as the result of 
their fight with the cavalry near the mission. This num- 
ber exceeds by about ten the number that has heretofore 
been given of the wounded. 

The Indians in marching moved along in military 
form, with their scouts on each side of the column and 

^^^ 245 }^^^ 



a large advance guard about one mile ahead. They are 
very much afraid of some scheme of surprise or attack 
on the part of the whites. One thing much feared by 
General Miles is that they may hide their guns in the 
canyons, etc., and not bring them into this place. If this 
be done, a vigorous search will be made for them by In- 
dian scouts. They will be sent out for that purpose. As 
to what means or mode General Miles will employ in 
order to disarm them is not known, but he will seek to 
do so in some manner wholly unostentatious if it is pos- 
sible to do so. As a witty newspaper man put it last night, 
it was General Miles versus Short Bull now in scheming 
for the advantage. 

This morning the Second Battalion of the Seventh 
Cavalry arrived in camp from Beaver Greek. It is now 
thought a sufficient number of troops are present here 
to protect the agency property and life if an outbreak of 
any kind should occur. Gertainly the arrival of Gaptain 
Illsley is welcomed by the people as giving a sense of 
security that has for some time been absent. 

Last night shots were again exchanged out on the 
picket lines about ii o'clock, but no damage was done, 
the Indians fleeing at once. General Miles still keeps en- 
gaged in fortifying this place to the best possible ad- 
vantage. Bodies of soldiers were at work on all sides, 
throwing up works yesterday. A line of rifle pits are dug 
on the slope and crest of every hill about the agency. 
Every possible precaution is being taken for the worst, 
if it shall come. 

The trouble is not feared until thev are called upon 
to lay down their arms. 

a_^ 246 >^^^.^ 



Not withstanding the hostiles are on the march there 
is still a crowd of Brules haranguing them not to do so 
and advising them against doing so, but the crescent of 
1,600 troops behind them constitutes an argument not 
so easily overcome. The command of Colonel Schafter 
at Pine Ridge consists of seven hundred men, all told. 

Captain Pierce, the newly appointed military agent 
arrived here at noon to-day, and will take immediate 
charge. 

W. F. Kelley. 

Still a Short Distance From Agency, 
But Miles Is Master of the Situation 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 12, 
1891 — [Special] — The Indians are in camp two miles 
from this place. No trouble has occurred up to this hour, 
7 o'clock, and all is quiet. The Indians number about 
3,500. None are allowed in the agency. 

W. F. Kelley. 

General Miles Makes Known 
His Ultimatum 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 12, 
1891 — [Special] — Early this morning General Miles 
sent out Frank Girard and four Indian scouts to the hos- 
tiles camp, near the mission. They were directed to in- 
form the hostiles they could choose their camp near Red 
Cloud's house on Wolfe Creek, one mile to the east of 
the gency, but they were not to come into the agency 
limits under any circumstances, except a few chiefs and 
by special order of General Miles. 

<i_=^ 247 >^^^=^' 



One of the requirements when they surrender will be 
the immediate surrender of the murderers of Lieutenant 
Casey and the poor herder Miller, both being murdered 
in cold blood. General Miles sent a wagon load of to- 
bacco out to them yesterday as a present to put them in 
good humor, if possible. 

All the friendly Indians yesterday at this place held 
a council as to how they should proceed in the present 
crisis. They resolved to gather up their tepees in as com- 
pact a circle as possible, dig rifle pits about them and 
if any hostiles came into their camp to at once disarm 
and arrest them. If the hostiles fired a gun they would 
kill them on the spot. They fear they may attempt to 
come among them, incite them by shooting guns and 
thus drawing the fire of the cannons of the soldiers that 
are so placed as to overlook their camp. They are deter- 
mined to avert any possible cause for sending shells 
among them, which would cause dreadful havoc in the 
closely huddled tepees. 

It is not thought the hostiles will be disarmed for a day 
or two at least. 

The Indians behind the advance guard are keeping 
up a rapid fire shooting their own horses and dogs and 
venting their spleen toward the friendlies among them 
by the firing of guns over their heads. 

The Brules and other young men are haranguing 
about the affair at Wounded Knee and the fate of Big 
Foot's band, which has the effect of terrifying the 
women and children and making the men suspicious 
and very excitable. All this may be seen from the hill 
tops. Half-breeds are coming in from the camp and re- 

«^_^ 248 >^^ 



porting to Miles that these Indians will all fight to the 
death if any attempt is made to disarm them now, or at 
any time. They are very defiant and trouble may be ex- 
pected. It is not yet known in what way this result will 
be brought about, as General Miles is very reticent 
whenever approached upon this subject. 

W. F. Kelley. 

Remaining at the Outer Gates While 
Preparations for Their Reception Continue 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D. (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 13, 
1891 — [Special] — The hostiles all arrived in their 
camp late last evening. There was no ghost dancing and 
everything was as quiet as could be expected. As soon 
as it was known at the agency yesterday that the hos- 
tiles were approaching General Miles took all precau- 
tions to prevent anything unfortunate taking place. 
Dismounted cavalrymen and bodies of infantry were 
sent out to the fortifications on the hills, cavalry horses 
were all saddled and the men stood in readiness to 
mount. Lines of wagons were placed across the bluffs 
inside the agency, cannons were directed in the several 
places and covers removed. In fact all was ready to 
move at a moment's notice, but happily no such neces- 
sity was required. After the Indians came close to the 
picket hnes they ceased the incessant firing that had 
been going on during their approach. 

Farther away pickets in large numbers were thrown 
out in all directions, and yesterday and for several days 
to come no person will be allowed to pass the line for 

<i— .^ 249 )^^.=^ 



any purpose. The object is to keep any person from hav- 
ing communication with the hostiles, General Miles 
wishing them to remain quiet for a day or two and to 
permit no tales being carried back and forth. 

General Miles sent for the leading chiefs yesterday 
afternoon to hold a council, but did not succeed in get- 
ting them to come to his headquarters. The general has 
been holding a long talk with Young-Man-Afraid-of- 
His-Horses this forenoon and he may succeed in getting 
the chiefs in some time to-day. He went out to the hos- 
tile camp and gave them General Miles' instructions, 
which were if they were quiet and would peacefully 
surrender he (Miles) would see that their treaty was 
kept strictly, that they should receive a suflBcient supply 
of rations and that they will be well protected and cared 
for if they wish to remain here. A council will be held 
among them to see if they desire to stay. However, it 
is a certainty that they do so wish, for one of the causes 
of the whole trouble was their dissatisfaction in having 
their home at Rosebud. The Oglala Sioux, whose home 
is rightly at Pine Ridge, are vigorously protesting against 
allowing the Brules to remain here, they belonging to 
the Rosebud Agency. What the outcome will be is diflB- 
cult to surmise and will be decided upon in the council 
with General Miles. At least they will remain here for 
a time, until all the terms of peace are decided upon. 

The friendlies continue vigilant, not allowing any 
Brule in their camp whatever. These latter young men 
even now wish for war and are willing to resort to any 
means to bring about such a result and involve all the 
Sioux Indians, whether they want to or not. The longer 



these Indians can be kept quiet and allow peaceful in- 
fluences to work among them the less the danger of any- 
thing of that character occurring and the easier it will 
be to induce them to give up their arms. It is not thought 
General Miles will simply ask them to bring their arms 
and receive a check for them from the agent. At any 
time the Indians wishes to hunt he is to receive his gun, 
returning it upon the completion of his errand, instead 
of forceful taking. This will probably be the mode 
adopted in the present trouble. In a day or so the whole 
police and scout system will be reorganized. Then there 
will be a general weeding out and a wholly new classi- 
fication of the system heretofore in vogue. 

The hospital corps are making arrangements to care 
for all the wounded in the hospital camp as soon as they 
can be transferred to those quarters. The wounded In- 
dians from Wounded Knee now in the Episcopal chapel 
are not doing as well as could be wished. Almost every 
day one or more deaths take place owing to their terri- 
ble wounds and a disinclination to be properly treated. 

A long train of wagons from General Brooke's camp 
came in for supplies this morning, heavily guarded by 
three companies of infantrymen. They return at once to 
Brooke's camp, near the Catholic mission. 

Harry B. Stone of B Troop, Seventh Cavalry, wounded 
at Wounded Knee, died last night. It was decided to 
amputate his arm last evening and he died very soon 
after the operation was performed. 

General Miles said to the members of the press this 
morning, "All the Indians that have been in hostility are 
now here. They came under our guns and have made 



their camp as directed, without other conditions than 
that they were to return and submit to law and order. 
It was this or take the punishment that a refusal would 
bring upon them and which the troops were fully pre- 
pared to administer. The question of adjustment 
largely committed to Captain Pierce, the newly ap 
pointed agent." 

W. F. Kelley. 



IS 




Cheyenne saddlebag 



<i_^ 252 >^^.=^' 



With Very Bad Grace 
Indians Obey Miles 

Big Road Essays to Disarm Members of His Band, 
But With Only Partial Success 

Pine Ridge Agency (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 15, 1891 
— [Special] — At 11 o'clock this morning the hostiles 
again moved their camp, according to General Miles' or- 
der, and are now camped about one mile to the west of 
the agency, at the foot of the hill. On the Oglalas ask- 
ing permission of Miles the Brules were allowed to ac- 
company them and all remain together at the camp. 
There were 473 tepees by actual count, or between 5,000 
and 6,000 Indians and 1,800 were armed warriors and 
young men capable of fighting. It was a grand sight to 
see them slowly marching along for three hours up and 
down the hills, and as General Miles said, a sight never 
again to be witnessed in Indian warfare on this conti- 
nent. Wagons driven by squaws and filled with domestic 
effects occupied the trail. On the hilltops above were 
lines of horsemen in single file, followed by lines of men 
on foot, in order, guarding their property in case of any 



attack upon them by the soldiers, as they half feared. 
They had out small bodies of scouts on every hill top 
for miles around, who have remained in their position 
all this morning and who doubtless will remain there 
for days to come. 

Thousands of ponies cover the hillsides, closely 
herded, in anticipation of need. Kicking Bear and other 
chiefs are now holding a council with Miles and that they 
have agreed to deliver up their arms is certain, but much 
doubt is expressed of its taking place. 

Big Road, chief over a large band, this morning 
brought in eleven old guns, including two wretched 
shotguns, and one broken Winchester. It is doubtful if 
half of them can be made to shoot. However, they are 
something, as every gun counts. It is understood the 
chiefs are to bring them in here, each chief bringing in 
those of his band. Colonel Corbin says this morning it 
will occupy several days to get them all, each gun re- 
ceiving a tag with the owner's name thereupon, by 
which it can be identified when wanted. A store house 
is being fitted up for their reception as fast as possible. 
What steps will be taken to search the camp is not yet 
known. After the chiefs have done all they can some 
plan will have to be devised by General Miles. 

Yesterday a soldier of General Wharton's command 
found a cave in which he discovered fifty guns and a 
quantity of ammunition for the same. They were at once 
brought to this place by an officer. This is one mode of 
disposing of the guns, of which they have many. Never- 
theless General Miles will succeed in getting the larger 
part of them ere his task is completed. After the guns 



are gotten, if no accident occurs in so doing, General 
Miles will demand the murderers of Miller and Casey 
to be given up. He also knows many of the principal in- 
stigators of this trouble, and as the last punishment they 
will be separated from their tribe and be transplanted 
to some other part of the country, as the Apaches were 
in 1886. This will bring about the desired result and will 
be an effectual check to any warlike tendencies among 
the Sioux for some time in the future. It is sincerely 
hoped no circumstance will prevent the enforcement of 
these plans. 

There has been a change of the position of the differ- 
ent troops during the past twenty-four hours. Colonel 
Carr and the Sixth Cavalry arrived this morning and are 
now stationed at the beef corral, two miles to the east; 
Colonel Sanford, with his cavalry, are yet at the mission 
on the north; Colonel Wheaton and his command on 
Cream Creek, about eight miles to the west, the troops 
at Pine Ridge forming the south side of the military 
square. 

The Indians in holding a council with Miles yesterday 
stated that they wanted no military agent, but a citizen 
who could and would teach them the white man's ways 
and modes of living. They were asked to consider among 
themselves who they would like and it is understood 
they have decided upon a well known citizen of West- 
ern Nebraska as the man whom they would prefer. What 
action will be taken by Miles in this respect is not 
known, but it is thought he will recommend their choice 
to the President for his approval. 



Word was received here yesterday that Lieutenant 
James D. Mann of K Troop, Seventh Cavahy, had died 
from the effects of his wound received in the fight near 
the Mission the day after the Wounded Knee afiFair. 
Lieutenant Mann is another victim of the ill-fated troop 
to which the brave Captain Wallace belonged and was 
engaged at the time of his death in writing a magazine 
article upon the battle. Mann was a brave and popular 
officer, making many friends during his short residence 
here. 

General Colby and a few officers visited this place 
yesterday, the guests of Colonel Cody. It is understood 
Colby has applied for permission to adopt the little babe 
found upon the Wounded Knee battle field. He desires 
to raise it as his child. Many applications are received 
for the adoption of small Indian children whose parents 
were killed upon that day. 

Word was received last night that the citizens of 
Northern Nebraska were raising a fund to purchase a 
diamond hiked sabre to be given Colonel Forsythe, the 
colonel of the Seventh Cavalry, for his conduct at 
Wounded Knee. This shows in what estimation this gal- 
lant soldier is held by the citizens in this vicinity and in 
what way his behavior at Wounded Knee is appreciated 
by all who know the facts. It is understood the board of 
inquiry has wholly exonerated him and submitted their 
report to the President for his approval. 

W. F. Kelley. 



^_^ 256 >^^=.^ 



Hostile Brules Make a Bluff 
Which Oglalas Quickly Call 

Pine Ridge Agency, S. D., (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 
15, 1891 — [Special] — What came near precipitating 
the outbreak so much feared, it appears, took place 
Tuesday as the train of wagons was returning to the 
camp of Colonel Wheaton. In passing the hostile camp 
a number of young Brules ran forward, threw them- 
selves into a favorable position and levelled their guns to 
fire, when some Oglalas ran up and threatened to kill 
the first person that fired a gun. Upon this demonstra- 
tion the Brules reluctlantly withdrew and gave up their 
project of starting a row at that time. 

It was certainly a narrow escape, as it would have led 
to the troops upon the hill firing and would have ended 
in another stampede. This would have been a serious 
disaster after all the pains and expense incurred in 
bringing in these Indians peacefully. No one doubts if 
but a single gun is fired all that has been done so far will 
be undone, as these young men are very excitable and 
only await a favorable chance to start the war and break 
away. The influence and persuasion of greater numbers 
have succeeded in getting them to this place. It is not 
their own wish, but if General Miles can keep them quiet 
until the terms of peace can be agreed upon the whole 
problem will be solved. 

The rumor that 400 Indians had secretly left their 
camp night before last has been found to be only partly 
correct. A number did steal away, but how many cannot 

^i^^ 257 >^^.^' 



be found out. No apprehension is felt from these, as they 
will work their way to their reservation as soon as pos- 
sible, in the hopes of avoiding detection. 

W. F. Kelley. 




Sioux medicine mans Buffalo headdress 



^.-^ 258 >^^=^' 



A Peaceful Pow-avo^w 
Chiefs Tell of their Wishes 

And in Turn Are Given Good Advice 
Concerning Their Actions in the Future 

Pine Ridge Agency, (via Rushville, Neb.), Jan. 16, 1891 
— [Special] — Yesterday afternoon General Brooke, 
with his staff, escorted by one troop of the Ninth Cav- 
alry, arrived at this place after three weeks' absence and 
reported to General Miles for further orders. He was 
ordered to take the place on Craken Creek mentioned in 
the dispatch of yesterday. General Brooke was also ac- 
companied by the lamented Casey's Cheyenne scouts, 
now commanded by Lieutenant Getty. Two large grey 
hounds of Casey still follow his old command upon all 
their journeys. The hostile chiefs are holding another 
council with General Miles this morning, but the mat- 
ters being discussed are the subject of government be- 
tween themselves. No further trouble is expected by 
any one and all signs of hostility have practically ceased, 
the Indians turning in their guns as fast as could be ex- 
pected. About twenty-five were given up yesterday and 



twenty early this morning. About lo o'clock the chiefs 
Crow Dog and Two Strike and forty warriors came up 
and gave up their guns to Captain Pierce, the agent. The 
guns turned in are very fair quality and not at all the 
old broken pieces expected to be delivered. This process 
will go on slowly for a week or more. 

Little Chief and his band of Cheyennes, who have 
long resided here, some time since applied for permis- 
sion to join the rest of the tribe on Tongue River, in Mon- 
tana. Yesterday word was received from Washington 
granting this request, and General Miles has designated 
a part of the Sixth Cavalry to escort them beyond any 
possibility of their mixing with the hostiles or any of 
their friends who may be to the north of here. 

James A. Cooper, special agent of the Indian Depart- 
ment, who has been here for two months, has been or- 
dered to Black River Falls, Wis., to adjust some diflB- 
culty with the Chippewas. This may be a fair indication 
that no further trouble will be seen here and what was 
expected to develop into a serious war has practically 
blown over. 

W. F. Kelley. 




<^-^ 260 >^^^^=^ 



Epilogue 



After writing his last on-the-scene report to the Isle- 
braska State Journal on January 16, 1891, William Fitch 
Kelley returned home to Nebraska. 

General Miles left Pine Ridge on January 26, having 
removed 25 leaders of the Ghost Dance ( including Kick- 
ing Bear and Short Bull) by sending them either to Ft. 
Sheridan, Illinois or to Buffalo Bill Cody for his forth- 
coming European tour. Miles also ordered the return to 
their home reservations of the numerous Indians who 
had gathered at Pine Ridge — the Brules went home to 
Rosebud, the Miniconjous returned to the Gheyenne 
River, etc. The five hundred Northern Gheyennes who 
had been assigned to Pine Ridge were permitted to join 
their brethren at the Tongue River Reservation in Mon- 
tana. 

In the next few weeks, Gongress sought to correct 
other problems by appropriating funds to restore the 
previously reduced rations, education, and some com- 
pensation for property lost by friendly Indians in the 
turmoil. 

In early February, a delegation of Sioux chiefs went to 

<^_^262>^=^ 



Washington to express their grievances to government 
officials but they were cut short as the officials claimed 
they were too busy. 

During the first half of 1891, the civilian agents who 
were subject to constant turnover due to the "political 
spoils'' system, were replaced by experienced military 
men. Captain F. E. Pierce was assigned to that post at 
Pine Ridge, but due to his subsequent illness, Captain 
Charles G. Penny became the permanent agent there. 
The primary duties of these agents were then to check 
on the adequacy of food supplies for the Indians, engage 
them in some form of meaningful work and to promote 
peace. Along the lines of meaningful work, Miles suc- 
cessfully promoted the growth of cattle raising in place 
of farming poor land and thus the Sioux were able to 
find an imitation of sorts of the kinship they had known 
with the buffalo previously. 

In July, 1891, military divisions were abolished result- 
ing in the reappointment of civilian agents, except at 
Pine Ridge. 

Looking back at the casualty figures for the Pine 
Ridge area (including Wounded Knee) for the two- 
month period, November 1890 to January, 1891, it is 
apparent that this was an especially brutal epoch in In- 
dian-U. S. Government relations. The total figures seem 
to vary slightly, depending upon the source, but in 
round numbers, troops and settlers suffered about 65 cas- 
ualties of which 50% were killed while the Indian cas- 
ualties were around 350, of which about 300 were killed. 
Most of these casualties occured at Wounded Knee, a 
fight nobody wanted, especially not the Indians who are 

a_^ 263 >^^^.^ 



estimated to have lost approximately 90 warriors and 
over 200 women and children there. Without delving 
into a lengthy dissertation on the many views on the 
massacre at Wounded Knee, suffice it to use the cam- 
paign commander's words as General Miles wrote in 
March, 1917: "In my opinion, the least the government 
can do is to make a suitable recompense to the survivors 
(of Wounded Knee) for the great injustice which was 
done them and the serious loss of their relatives and pro- 
perty. The action of the commanding officer ( Col. James 
Forsyth ) , in my judgment at the time, and I so reported, 
was most reprehensible. The disposition of the troops 
was such that in firing upon the warriors they fired di- 
rectly into their own lines and also into the camp of the 
women and children, and I have regarded the whole af- 
fair as most unjustifiable and worth of the severest con- 
demnation." 

Not included in the above figures were the casualities 
sustained in the arrest and subsequent death of Sitting 
Bull at Standing Rock Reservation on December 15, 
1890. On that date, a group of Indian police came to ar- 
rest the old chief as he was at the head of the list of 
"formentors of disturbances." In the ensuing melee, as 
the Hunkpapas sought to protect their chief, eight In- 
dians, including Sitting Bull, were killed as were six 
Indian police. Of all Indian leaders living in the U. S. at 
the time, Sitting Bull most personified an unyielding op- 
position to the white man and his civilization. His death 
seemed to strike down one of the last signfficant figure- 
heads of this resistance and when other Sioux learned of 
his fall, a great fear and despair came over them. 

CL_^ 264 >^^.=^ 



With their surrender at Pine Ridge in January, 1891, 
the organized resistance of the Sioux to white civiUza- 
tion crumbled. The mihtary campaign by the "blue- 
coats" was not as devastating to the Sioux as the 
psychological effect of defeat and the loss of confidence 
in their last hope of a way out, the Ghost Dance doc- 
trine. For the ever-increasing number of white settlers, 
the western frontier was broken and their way of life 
would dominate the West henceforth. For the Indians, 
the time had come when old ties and old customs must 
give way due to the sheer might of their opposition re- 
presenting "white progress." Memories of the old life 
diminished rapidly as education in government run 
schools held sway with the newer generations. 

As for the Ghost Dance, its vulnerability had been es- 
tablished. The ghost shirts were no more effective 
against troopers' bullets than the unfulfilled promise of 
rebirth in the Spring of 1891 (a date universally recog- 
nized by most tribes, including the Sioux). Skepticism 
grew among all tribes. 

Finally, back in Nevada, Wovoka, the originator of 
the current Ghost Dance religion, despaired as he felt 
that the Sioux had ruined the whole idea by transform- 
ing it into a belligerent attitude toward Iffe. He is be- 
lieved to have said: "My children, my children. In days 
behind many times I called you to travel the hunting 
trail or to follow your father's trail. Now those trails are 
choked with sand; they are covered with grass, the 
young men cannot find them. My children, today I call 
upon you to travel a new trail, the only trail now open — 
the White Man's trail. . . ." 

a_^ 265 >^=^' 



Bibliography 

For more information on the events mentioned 
in this book, we suggest the following books: 

Andrist, Ralph K. The Long Death and the Last Days 
of The Plains Indians, 1964. 

Brown, Dee. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, 1970. 

BuRDiCK, Usher L. The Last Days of Sitting Bull, Sioux 
Medicine Chief, 1941. 

Downey, Fairfax. Indian Fighting Army, 1941. 

Johnson, Dorothy M. Ghost Dance: Last Hope of the 
Sioux. 

McGregor, James H. The Wounded Knee Massacre from 
the Viewpoint of the Sioux, 1940. 

MooNEY, James. The Ghost Dance Religion and the Out- 
break of 1890. 1896 ( 14th Annual Report of the Bureau 
of Ethnology ) . 

Schmitt, M. F. & Brown, Dee. Fighting Indians of the 
West, 1948. 

Teffeland, John & Jennison, Keith, The American In- 
dian Wars, i960. 

Utley, Robert M. The Last Days of the Sioux Nation, 

1963- 
Vestal, Stanley, Sitting Bull, Champion of the Sioux, 

1932. 

^i_^ 267 >^^=^^.^ 



